Online Reporter
HANOI. – Scores of beauty queens have begun their Miss World journey with a memorable opening chapter in Ha Long Bay.
It was filled with new friendships, Vietnamese culture, warm hospitality and ‘Beauty With a Purpose’ in action.
The 75th Anniversary Edition of Miss World is officially underway here in Vietnam.
For many, it was the first time meeting the women they would share this extraordinary experience with.
The smiles, hugs, and conversations quickly replaced introductions, and friendships began forming almost instantly.
From their arrival, the contestants travelled to the InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, their home for the opening days of the Festival.
Overlooking one of Vietnam’s most celebrated destinations, the resort provided the setting for a busy programme of filming, interviews, official activities, and opportunities for the contestants to get to know one another.
Miss World Zimbabwe 2026, Brunette Makanyiso, is part of the beauty queens fighting for the global crown.
Before she left home, she impressed many by joining the Teen Rescue Mission to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
She stressed the importance of protecting young people through education, vocational training, and mentorship. Brunette toured the centre’s skills-development programmes, where young people receive training in areas including poultry farming, sewing, baking, welding, and life skills.
She said seeing young women learning welding was one of the most inspiring moments of the day, describing it as a powerful example of breaking barriers and expanding opportunities.
The visit also aligned with Brunette’s ‘Beauty With a Purpose’ advocacy, which focuses on poverty alleviation.
She emphasised that equipping young people with practical skills and creating opportunities can help address some of the root causes of drug and substance abuse by offering pathways to independent and sustainable futures.
Brunette and her partners distributed sanitary products to girls and winter blankets to underprivileged children, supporting vulnerable communities during Zimbabwe’s colder season.
Miss World South Africa Romanda Hombir shared the personal story behind her ‘Beauty With a Purpose’ project in an interview with News24.
She revealed how living with endometriosis and PMOS (formerly known as PCOS) strengthened her determination to fight for better healthcare access for women in her country.
The 27-year-old clinical audiologist admitted that there were moments when she questioned whether her diagnosis would prevent her from pursuing her dream of representing South Africa at Miss World.
“My journey has really strengthened me… I’m hoping other women see that anything is possible for you, even if the diagnosis you’re facing makes you feel so limited,” she said. – H-Metro Reporter/Miss World
