Online Reporter
Sipepisiwe Moyo, [email protected]
Preparations for the Miss Supranational Zimbabwe pageant, one of the pageants that brought the reigning Miss Universe Zimbabwe to the spotlight, are underway.
The finale of the pageant, which focuses on natural beauty and grace, will be held on March 22 in Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa and the finalists are drawn from across Zimbabwe. The finalists are Yolanda Chimusoro, Shelly Usman, Lerato Ivy Masocha, Ruvimbo Njomboro, Eva Mzondiwa, Anusi Chichi Mandevana, Pauline Marere, Brenda Kadewa, Agape Mandizvidza, Zhjanei Chimbioza and Stacey Hall.
When asked why the pageant will be held in South Africa, pageant director Ntombi Gumede explained: “We are franchise holders and are based in South Africa. This plan is more convenient for our organisation to deliver the level of the pageant we wish to achieve. We’ll host it in South Africa for the next two years until we feel it is convenient for us and our contestants to host it in Zimbabwe.”
She said the pageant will be part of a three-day beauty festival under the theme “Aspire to Inspire,”which will also include a charity programme.
“This event marks a historic moment as the first-ever intercountry partnership between South Africa and Zimbabwe, bringing together pageantry, culture, and a shared vision for empowerment in a celebration that will be known as the Intercountry Festival of Beauty.
“The ground-breaking festival will kick off on Friday, March 21 and run through Sunday at the Sun Meropa Casino in Polokwane. The three-day festival will showcase the finalists of Miss Supranational Zimbabwe, Miss Cosmo South Africa and Miss Teen Universe South Africa, all joining forces to celebrate the beauty, culture, and heritage of both nations,” Gumede said.
Among the panel of judges will be Miss Supranational Africa 2023, Sakhile Dube and Miss Supranational Zimbabwe 2022, Tatenda Kimberly.
“It will be a celebration of beauty with a purpose as the contestants showcase their talents and commitment to making a difference in their communities.”
The winner will go on to represent Zimbabwe in Poland at the Miss Supranational 2025 competition on June 28.
“Twelve talented and inspiring finalists have been selected for this competition. However, only 10 of these finalists will be chosen to travel to South Africa and compete for the title of Miss Supranational Zimbabwe.
“The competition will select two winners: a winner and a runner-up. The winner will go on to represent Zimbabwe at the Miss Supranational 2025 competition, taking place on June 28 in Poland. Should the winner be unable to compete internationally for any reason, the runner-up will step in to represent Zimbabwe at Miss Supranational 2025,” Gumede said.
The festival, she added, is not just about beauty but also a testament
to the evolution of the pageantry industry, which today embraces sports, charity, and the promotion of culture and heritage.
“Pageantry is no longer just about physical beauty; it’s about inspiring change, advocating for women’s empowerment and fostering cross-cultural exchanges,” said Gumede.
The Festival of Beauty is a partnership between Zimbabwe and South Africa. The two countries will share the stage for future collaborative events and charitable initiatives, marking the beginning of a new era in pageantry.
The festival represents inclusivity, growth and empowerment, offering contestants a platform to make meaningful impact and create positive change in their societies in Africa.
