Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
ZIMBABWE’S beauty queens are smiling all the way to the bank after the Miss Universe Zimbabwe board handed over brand new vehicles, and US$2,000 in cash, to them.
The cars and cash were handed to each of the country’s international titleholders in what is being hailed as a historic moment for the local modelling industry.
The glamorous but private handover ceremony marked a first in Zimbabwean pageantry.
Every international queen receiving the same financial reward, a move that has been widely praised for promoting equality among titleholders.Driving away with brand-new vehicles were Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 Roseanne Hall, Miss World Zimbabwe 2026 Brunnette Makanyiso, Miss International Zimbabwe 2026 Ruvimbo Njomboro, Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe Virginia Tlou Nyambe, and Top Model of Zimbabwe, Jemima Mandemwa.
Miss Supranational Zimbabwe Nicole Nyawera, who is still in Poland following her impressive Top 24 finish at the Miss Supranational pageant, received her vehicle in absentia and will officially collect it upon her return home.
Roseanna and Brunnette walked away with Iphone 17 Pro Max phones and a Mercedes Benz while the rest of the queens received Honda Fit.
For years, local titleholders have often struggled to prepare for global competitions due to limited resources, leaving many to rely on sponsors, fundraising campaigns and well-wishers.
This time, however, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe board has sent a powerful message that every queen matters.
Speaking during the private handover ceremony, Miss Universe Zimbabwe board chairperson, Danya Kabwebwe, congratulated the queens and reminded them that wearing Zimbabwe’s colours comes with great responsibility.
“On behalf of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe board, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of our queens.
“Earning the honour to represent Zimbabwe on the international stage is a remarkable achievement, but it also comes with great responsibility.
“You are now ambassadors of our nation, our culture and our people.
“As you begin your preparations, embrace every lesson, every challenge and every opportunity to grow.
“Walk with confidence, humility and purpose, knowing an entire nation stands behind you.
“We believe in your potential and are confident you will make Zimbabwe proud. The journey starts now – go and shine.”
Her remarks were met with applause from the queens, board members and invited guests.
The equal prize structure has already sparked excitement within the modelling fraternity, with many saying it represents a major shift in how beauty queens are supported.
Traditionally, the Miss Universe titleholder has often attracted the lion’s share of attention and sponsorship, while queens representing other international pageants have sometimes had to work harder to secure resources.
This year’s approach has changed that narrative. One pageant enthusiast wrote:
“This is how queens should be treated. Every girl is representing Zimbabwe, so they all deserve equal support.”Another added: “History has been made. This is the motivation young girls in modelling have been waiting for.”
A third commented: “This raises the standard of pageantry in Zimbabwe. Congratulations to the board for walking the talk.”
Industry observers believe the move will inspire more young women to pursue modelling professionally while encouraging sponsors to invest more seriously in the country’s pageant sector.
With Roseanne Hall preparing for Miss Universe, Nicole fresh from an impressive Top 24 finish in Poland, and the other queens gearing up for their respective international competitions, expectations are now sky-high.
One thing is certain—the road to the world’s biggest stages has just become a lot smoother.
