Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Editor
LYSHANDA Moyas, the 26-year-old nurse who was crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 at a glittering ceremony at Harare’s Hippodrome on Saturday night, said the award came as a shock to her.
She beat eight other contestants and walked away with a US$10 000 cash prize, a Mercedes Benz C200 courtesy of Style by Minnie and a dozen of other consolation prizes.
Lyshanda, who grew up in Gweru, will represent the country at this year’s edition of Miss Universe in Thailand in November.
She revealed she has been in the trenches for some time now.
“I have been modelling for the past 14 years and my greatest title was Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe 2021.
“I am excited and overwhelmed. I have won before but this is my best title and I am ready for the journey that I am embarking on.
“This is a shock to me as I was last on stage in 2023 at the Miss International Zimbabwe. I also contested at Miss Global Zimbabwe and Miss Zimbabwe Queen,” she said.
Lyshanda is a trained nurse but she is currently working in the finance industry.
“I am a qualified nurse but currently I work at a finance and marketing firm.”
She said she was going to use the platform in her advocacy for her Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
“Since this pageant is globally recognised, I am going to advocate for my SDG goal number 9 which is also known as Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
“It focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and fostering innovation.
“This goal aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of industrial processes, promote technological advancements and ensure that infrastructure is developed in a manner that supports inclusive and equitable growth.”
She added:
“I come from a fun family and I am the first born in a family of two, mixed race. We are just a funny bunch. My family is very diverse as we come from all parts of Zimbabwe. We have some Ndebele, Shona, and English cultures and bloodlines.
“I like the fact that they (Miss Universe) give women the chance for women to be themselves, believe and express themselves.
“The pageant is very strong when it comes to giving women a voice and I am ready for the journey.
“I love my grandmother because she is all about integrity. She is the strongest woman I have ever known. She has been through a lot but she comes out tops and is resilient.”
Onesimo Nkomo, who grew up in Nkayi, was voted First Princess while Rumbidzai Muzopa of Honde Valley was the Second Princess.
Nkomo walked away with US$3 000 and Muzopa received US$2 000.
Best national costume went to Brenda Kadewa of Harare while Lyshanda came out tops on Voice for Change.
Silver prize went to Talic Mweyawashe Magaiza of Harare and bronze went to Bulawayo beauty, Samukele Dhlamini.
The award for best interview with the judges, during pre-judging, went to Lyshanda.
