Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
ZIMPAPERS Arts and Entertainment Hub
AFTER a 10-year hiatus, Zimbabwe’s return to the Miss Grand International stage was confirmed after Chelsea Mandizha was crowned Miss Grand Zimbabwe.
The Miss Grand International 13th edition will be held at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 18.
Mandizha, who is a Global Ambassador for the International Disability Organisation, advocates for individuals with disabilities in rural villages and under-served communities.
As a true global citizen, Mandizha speaks seven languages, bridging cultures and communities.
In a statement, Mandizha said: “Alongside this, my work with UN Women champions gender equality and women’s empowerment on a global scale.
“As a businesswoman, recording artist, model, and global ambassador, l’ve learned to embody the 4 B’s Beauty, Body, Brains, and Business not as titles to chase, but as truths to live.
“My grandmother always said ‘Chitsva chiri murutsoka.’
“We have waited for this moment. For years, our flag has been absent from the Miss Grand International stage but today, we rise again.
“I carry this crown not for myself but for all of us. For the little girl who dreams, for the young woman who dares, and for every Zimbabwean who has waited to be seen.
“My promise to you is simple, I will represent our nation with pride, grace, and fire. I will show the world, not only our beauty but our resilience, our culture, and our voice.
“Together, we will remind the world that Zimbabwe does not stand in the shadows we shine.”
Mandizha studied Psychology & Fashion Retail and Marketing.
Beyond her advocacy, she is also the founder of Chihera Pride, a luxury hair brand, and Effclusive Picnics UK, a bespoke luxury picnic and events company.
She is additionally an athlete, model, and recording artist under the stage name Rose Chihera.
Earlier last week Ntombi Gumede and her daughter, Tumi Jiane, were both appointed as national directors for Miss Grand Zimbabwe, marking a new era for the country’s pageantry scene. There were no titleholders from 2023 to 2024 for the Miss Grand Zimbabwe.
Miss Grand Zimbabwe is a Zimbabwean female national beauty pageant founded in 2013 by former Miss Zimbabwe Samantha Tshuma.
The contest’s winners represent the country at the Miss Grand International pageant.
After two consecutive years of scandal, the partnership with Miss Grand International was terminated.
The licence was later purchased by Culvin Mavunga in 2016 but no representative was sent that year.
Zimbabwe only participated in the Miss Grand International pageant in 2013 and 2014 one of them, Samantha Thsuma Miss Grand Zimbabwe 2013, was named in the final 20.
Christine Juliane Opiaza of the Philippines will crown her successor at the end of the event.
Mathew Masinge