Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
ZIMBABWE’S footprint on the global beauty pageant stage continues to grow stronger, with recent years marking a period of renewed confidence and international recognition.
Once considered an underdog nation in major global contests, Zimbabwe has steadily re-written that narrative through consistent performances and purposeful representation.
From Sakhile Dube’s historic Top 24 placement at Miss Supranational 2023, where she also claimed the Miss Supranational Africa title, to Nokutenda Marumbwa’s Top 40 finish at Miss World 2024, and the country’s return to prominence at Miss Universe 2025 as Lyshanda Moyas earned a Top 30 placement, the Zimbabwean flag has been carried with pride on some of the world’s most competitive stages.
It is within this rising momentum that Rumbidzai “Rumbi” Muzopa now steps forward. Hailing from Honde Valley, Rumbi departs for Egypt today as the reigning Miss Inter-continental Zimbabwe 2025, set to represent the nation at the prestigious Miss Inter-continental pageant, one of the globally recognised top 10 beauty competitions.
Her journey symbolises not just personal ambition but the collective progress of Zimbabwean pageantry on the international stage.
Founded in 1971, Miss Inter-continental started as a tourism event in Aruba, evolving into a major pageant, and is typically held in a different location each year, with Egypt, Sahl Hasheesh hosting recently (2023, 2024, and scheduled for 2025/2026).
The reigning Miss Inter-continental is María Cepero from Puerto Rico, who won the title in late 2023 and will crown her successor at the Miss Inter-continental 2025 pageant on January 29. For Zimbabwe, competing at Miss Intercontinental offers a powerful platform to showcase its culture, values and evolving creative industry.
For Rumbi, it is also a return to familiar ground. This marks her second international pageant appearance, having previously represented Zimbabwe at the Top Model of the World finals in Egypt in 2018.
Reflecting on the moment, she says, “It is my second international pageant. I previously represented Zimbabwe in 2018 at the Top Model of the World finals in Egypt.
“Going back to Egypt again — you know what they say about the second time being a charm. This time we are going to make it,” she said. Her confidence is rooted in preparation.
Over the past seven months, Rumbi has undergone intensive training under the guidance of Crown Hunter Ishmael Murangandi, focusing on stage presence, personal development, and international readiness.
“I have been preparing for about seven months with the Crown Hunter Ishmael Murangandi,” she explains.
“This journey has been intense, inspiring, and transformative.” That period has allowed her to refine not only her walk and presentation but also her sense of purpose as a national representative.
Fashion plays a central role in that representation.
The 29-year-old model said her wardrobe is not simply about aesthetics but storytelling. “My wardrobe is inspired by our national colours and they tell a story of my people and our history,” she says. “Above all, the world needs more love, and I can’t wait to show the kindness and rich culture of our people.”
Working with a collective of designers and brands including Monkey Rain Atelier, Velori Vita by Catherine Wonder, Les Scentury Luxury, Push Athletics, Kimstyles Luxury, ViGlamz, and Jewel, her looks are designed to reflect Zimbabwe’s heritage, resilience, and creative depth.
Rumbi’s inspiration comes from women who have reshaped global fashion and representation. She cites Naomi Campbell as her role model, praising her impact and longevity. “Naomi Campbell — firstly Black representation since the 90s, her work ethic, she’s a legend,” she says, echoing the importance of visibility and perseverance on international platforms.
Rumbi’s journey from Honde Valley to the global stage adds another chapter to that legacy, reinforcing the idea that Zimbabwean women belong on the world’s biggest runways and stages.
Beyond pageantry, Rumbi leads a life grounded in purpose and professionalism. She is a real estate consultant by profession and serves as the manager of the JBC Men’s Basketball Team, balancing business, sport, and advocacy alongside her modelling career. Looking ahead, she hints that this may not be her final appearance on a major international stage.
