Online Reporter
Melissa Mpofu
FORMER Miss Zimbabwe, Lorraine Maphala-Phiri has passed the torch — and a powerful message of confidence — to Zimbabwe’s latest beauty ambassador, Courtney Tadiwanashe Jongwe, as she prepares to sparkle on the global Miss World stage in India.
With the grand finale set for May 31 in Telangana, Maphala-Phiri, who made waves at Miss World 2006, had this to say:
“Have fun, Courtney. You deserve to be there. Don’t let doubt creep in — you belong!”
Courtney, a 23-year-old engineering student at Manicaland State University, is already winning hearts with her grace, brains and advocacy. She carries Zimbabwe’s hopes under the “Beauty with a Purpose” banner through her Sanctuary Project, a bold mental health initiative focused on building safe spaces for open dialogue.
While cautioning about the pressures of global pageantry, Maphala urged Courtney to stay grounded and seize the networking opportunities.
“It’s easy to lose yourself under those bright lights. But remember your mission and make lifelong connections.”
Courtney, speaking before flying out from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, said she’s carrying the spirit of Zimbabwe with pride:
“It’s deeply humbling. I want to show the world that young Zimbabwean women have powerful voices and bold dreams.”
Pageant heavyweights like Patience Lusengo, Miss World Zimbabwe director, and modelling guru, Sarah Mpofu, are backing her all the way.
“Courtney is going there with fire in her belly and excellence in her stride,” said Lusengo.
“Let her confidence shine. Let her be Wasu, fearless and elegant!” added Mpofu.
From beans to beauty queens, Zimbabwe is rooting for Courtney to slay the stage, with brains, beauty and purpose!
Blessing Chizhande