Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Editor
MISS Universe Zimbabwe Lyshanda Moyas says she has a valid Zimbabwean driver’s licence and is excited to take ownership of her Mercedes Benz, which was part of her package for winning the beauty pageant.
She received her car in Harare yesterday.
“Yes, I have a valid driving licence and I’m so excited for the new car. Thank you, Miss Universe Zimbabwe. I have started my preparations for Thailand and watch this space,” she said.
The Miss Universe Zimbabwe board members, led by pageant director Tendai Hunda, handed over the prizes to the winners yesterday.
The Mercedes Benz and cash were courtesy of Style by Minnie.
Lyshanda will represent the country at Miss Universe in Thailand this November.
The first runner-up, Nkayi based Onesimo Nkomo, will be representing the country at the Top Model of the World pageant.
Both runners-up walked away with cash and consolation prizes from various sponsors.
However, due to security reasons, the prize money was not named to protect the girls from thieves, thus according to pageant director.
There was a surprise at the event as Miss Cosmopolitan Zimbabwe was also sashed.
It went to Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2024 first runner-up Lisa Sibanda who will represent the country in Vietnam in December.
“We are happy with the progress so far and we have handed over the prizes to our winners. Everything went according to plan and the girls are happy too.
“What is left now is for them to plan what they will do with their prize money.
“They were handed the cash courtesy of Style by Minnie in front of their parents and we can’t disclose how much we gave them due to security reasons.
“We want to avoid a situation that so and so was followed by thieves or raided at home.”
Hunda also cleared the air on the Miss Cosmo Zimbabwe title.
“We hadn’t crowned Miss Cosmo Zimbabwe as that title is part of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe pageant.
“Sakhile Dube was Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2024 and she can’t participate at Miss Cosmo Zimbabwe as a queen, it was more like a downgrade as she had represented the country in Mexico last year at Miss Universe.
“Lisa has the potential and, as an organisation, we are happy and so proud of her. We give her maximum support.”
Hunda said they have also started preparing for Thailand.
“Lyshanda is going to Thailand and we are already in the mode with the team preparing her for the international stage.
“We are optimistic we will bring the crown home and we have made all necessary requirements for her. Sakhile will also be assisting her on tips for the global stage.”
