Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
KUNDAI Benhura, who is basking in the glory of winning the Miss Africa crown, says she feels relieved to finally take the crown after years of trying, and failing, but never giving up.
The 29-year-old was crowned Miss Africa in Nigeria last month.
She is the niece of one of the country’s finest sculptors, Dominic Benhura.
After three failed attempts, Kundai finally took the crown.
She beat other contestants from 21 African countries.
As a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, Kundai is driven by a desire to instill confidence in young people through public speaking skills, inspired by her own experience in Toastmasters and the mentors who invested their time in helping her.
In an interview with Zimpapers Entertainment Hub, Kundai said she was shocked when her name was announced as the winner.
“I was quite shocked even though l had prepared to win. I think having entered four times, l had reserved some space for disappointment.
“It truly sank in when l was alone at the hotel, a day after the competition.
“I feel truly privileged to represent African women from all walks of life.” She said this year’s theme for Miss Africa was ‘climate action.’
“Eco-education, through this platform, is something l will focus on and planting of trees in schools and children’s homes.
“There’s a lot l want to accomplish and l am looking forward to partnering with organisations doing great things, especially the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.”
She added:
“I found out about Miss Africa after their first edition when the first Queen Neurite Mendes from Angola was crowned.
“I was touched when l saw she was taking on a tree planting campaign because l am passionate about the environment.
“When l also saw that the organisation, unlike other mainstream pageants, celebrates all body types and skin tones and l knew l had to be a part of it.
“I’ve definitely gotten busier but it’s what I signed up for so l am not complaining.
“People do notice me, which l didn’t think would happen that early in my reign. As I travel throughout the continent, l know it will only get bigger from here.
“My mission and mandate as a queen crowned under the SDG 13 theme ‘climate action’ is simple: remind Africans that natural disasters know no borders so that we are better off coming together with solutions to protect ourselves because the rest of the world won’t do it for us.
“I will be doing a lot of reforestation campaigns, clean-ups, eco-education and, as someone in tech, hosting hackathons where young people can come up with innovative ways to fight climate change.”
Kundai entered her first beauty pageant when she was 20 and became the face of Africa Fashion House.
“I think beauty pageants force you to become the total package.
“In 2025, it’s not enough to be beautiful, you need to back that up with brains and a heart of service.
“Women just need to do research before they enter because, unfortunately, there are organisations that host pageants for the wrong reasons.
“With the right platform, a woman can be transformed in every area of her life from etiquette, confidence, speech, career and business acumen.
“l initially entered my first pageant at 20 and from there l entered a brand ambassador competition where l won and got to be the face of Africa Fashion House for a couple of years.
“I have always been attracted to brands and organisations that put Africa in good light,” she said.
