Online Reporter
Lifestyle Writer
“Modelling is more than beauty and glamour — it is a nation’s soft power, a mirror of its confidence and a runway where dreams meet identity.”
Those words could not ring louder than they do in Zimbabwe today as excitement engulfs the country ahead of the much-anticipated Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 grand finale, an edition already being described as the most explosive, glamorous and culturally defining in the pageant’s history.
For the first time ever, Zimbabwe will welcome Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi as host of the prestigious competition, a groundbreaking move that has elevated this year’s pageant into continental significance.
The glamorous finale, set for June 6 at Harare’s iconic The Hippodrome, has already become the talk of the nation following highly competitive auditions, fierce social media debates and the unveiling of a powerful top 30 that has fans struggling to predict who will eventually wear the crown.
Never before has a reigning global icon of Zozi’s stature come to Zimbabwe to headline a pageantry event in such a role, and her arrival is being viewed as a major statement by organisers determined to reposition Zimbabwe among Africa’s elite pageantry destinations.
More than just a beauty queen, Zozi represents a revolution.
When she won the Miss Universe crown in 2019, the South African media personality shattered decades of conventional beauty standards by proudly embracing her natural African identity, short hair and unapologetic authenticity on the global stage.
Her victory inspired millions across Africa.
Young girls, who had never seen themselves reflected in international beauty spaces, suddenly found hope, confidence and validation through her journey.
From rural villages to major African cities, Zozi became a symbol of possibility.
Since her historic reign, she has built a remarkable career as a television presenter, actress, public speaker and advocate for women empowerment, continuously using her platform to challenge stereotypes and encourage African women to embrace their uniqueness.
Her famous statement — “I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me was never considered beautiful” — became a defining anthem for an entire generation.
Now Zimbabwe gets to experience that inspiration firsthand.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe board chairperson, Danya Kabwebwe said bringing Zozi to Harare was intentional and symbolic.
“We wanted somebody whose story resonates deeply with African girls and with the future we envision for Zimbabwean pageantry. Zozibini Tunzi is elegance, purpose and empowerment personified. Her impact stretches far beyond modelling because she changed conversations globally,” Kabwebwe said.
“She inspired young girls to embrace themselves fearlessly. Having her here tells every Zimbabwean girl that no dream is too big and no stage is unreachable.”
Kabwebwe revealed that Zozi will be paired with a top Zimbabwean male personality whose identity will be unveiled soon.
“We are bringing a blend of international sophistication and local star power. The chemistry between the hosts will definitely light up the stage,” she said.
As anticipation builds, all eyes are now fixed on Monday when organisers officially unveil the top 16 finalists who will proceed into an intensive bootcamp phase ahead of the grand finale.
The announcement is expected to ignite even more social media frenzy after weeks of heated discussions around the top 30 contestants.
Zimbabweans have already flooded voting platforms, passionately campaigning for their favourites while beauty analysts and pageant followers continue debating possible finalists.
Some contestants have emerged as standout contenders due to their commanding runway presence, eloquence, confidence and social media popularity, while others have won admiration for their inspirational personal journeys.
What has made this year’s edition even more fascinating is the diversity of women represented in the top 30.
Returning models, former beauty queens, professionals and single mothers are all competing side by side, reflecting the modern direction of the global Miss Universe Organisation.
Among them is Malaika Mushandu, a Zimbabwean model who rose to fame after becoming one of the youngest winners of the Miss Zimbabwe pageant in 2011.
Ruvimbo Njomboro secured a place in the Top 30 for 2025 after an impressive performance in previous years, where she finished as the second runner-up in 2024 and later represented Zimbabwe at Miss Cosmo 2024.
Roseanna Hall, was announced as a judge for Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025. She holds the title of Miss Zimbabwe-Diaspora 2017 and has also returned for the crown.
Shelly Bent made history last year in India when she became the only African contestant to reach the Top 12 at the Universal Woman pageant, highlighting her talent and international appeal.
Kuzivakwashe “Kuzie” Mujakachi is a Zimbabwean-Canadian model, television personality, and former beauty queen known for appearing on Big Brother Canada 11 and The Traitors Canada.
She first gained recognition after finishing as Miss World Zimbabwe 2018 Second Princess and winning the People’s Choice award.
In 2018, she became the first Miss World Zimbabwe contestant to hold both titles at the same time.
Sindiso Ndlovu was crowned Miss Africa Golden 2021 in Nigeria
The full list of finalists also includes Cheryl Sambadzai, Vimbainashe Chiriseri, Nomaqhikiza Mokoni, Anna Gunguwo, Rachel Ndlovu, Sharai Tandare, Joylene Madombwe, Tatenda Madzinga, Paris Huni, Brunnette Makanyiso, Kudzaishe Mwamuka, Virginia Tlou Nyambe, Adele Chinamasa, Chanice Noble, Charmaine Mabvundwe, Robin Sitsha, Nicole Nyawera, Moreblessing Ndlovu, Mudiwa Layi, Angeline Hofah, Shamiso Masarura, and Victoria Ncube.
However, in recent years, the Miss Universe Organisation made history by changing its eligibility rules to allow married women, mothers and older contestants to compete, a move widely praised for promoting inclusivity and modern womanhood.
Across the globe, several contestants who are mothers, wives and former queens have since competed at Miss Universe, proving that ambition and beauty do not end with motherhood or age.
Kabwebwe believes Zimbabwe’s current crop perfectly reflects those evolving standards.
“This year’s contestants represent the true modern African woman. We have diversity, maturity, intelligence, resilience and ambition all on one stage. It is no longer just about beauty. It is about impact, leadership and authenticity,” she said.
According to Kabwebwe, the upcoming bootcamp will further sharpen contestants in communication, public speaking, branding, confidence and stage presentation.
“This process transforms contestants completely. By the finale, Zimbabweans will witness polished, empowered and world-class young women ready for the global stage,” she added.
Kabwebwe also promised a night filled with fireworks, glamour and unforgettable entertainment.
“This year is not just a pageant — it is a complete entertainment experience. We are bringing internationally acclaimed regional acts and surprise performances that will leave audiences speechless,” she said.
Though organisers remain tight-lipped about performers, speculation has already intensified online over which regional stars could grace the Miss Universe Zimbabwe stage. The judging panel is also expected to be unveiled shortly after the top 12 announcement, with insiders hinting at a blend of fashion experts, business leaders, media personalities and international pageantry figures.
“With the quality of contestants we have this year, judges will have an extremely difficult task. The standard is exceptionally high,” Kabwebwe said.
“We are going to unveil to distinguished judges whom some have a good reputable in Africa and beyond.”
Meanwhile, reigning queen Lyshanda Moyas is preparing for one final walk before crowning her successor after a reign that captured both local and continental admiration.
Last year, Moyas made headlines at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Thailand, where she emerged as one of Africa’s most admired contestants, eventually finishing in the top 30. Though she narrowly missed the ultimate crown, many pageant followers considered her among Africa’s strongest representatives due to her confidence, elegance and commanding stage presence.
Reflecting on her journey, Moyas described the experience as life-changing.
“Representing Zimbabwe on the global stage taught me resilience, discipline and the importance of remaining authentic. I learnt that confidence comes from embracing who you truly are,” she said.
“The Miss Universe experience opened my eyes to the power of culture, representation and purpose.”
As she prepares to hand over the crown, Moyas also shared heartfelt advice for the contestants battling for this year’s title.
“Enjoy every moment and trust your journey. Stay humble, stay disciplined and remember that your voice matters just as much as your beauty. The crown is important, but who you become during the journey matters even more,” she said.
Globally, the pageantry landscape remains fiercely competitive after Mexico’s Fátima Bosch was crowned winner of Miss Universe 2025 held in Thailand.
Already, countries such as Zambia, Thailand, the Philippines and Venezuela have either completed or launched their Miss Universe 2026 selections, unveiling exceptionally strong representatives.
Industry watchers believe this year’s international competition could become one of the toughest in modern Miss Universe history.
Yet Zimbabweans remain hopeful.
Hopeful that with a powerful new board, rising standards, world-class production, Zozi’s historic involvement and an exceptionally competitive crop of contestants, Zimbabwe could finally produce a queen capable of breaking deeper into Miss Universe history.
For now, fingers remain crossed across the country.
Who will survive the top 16 cut?
Who will rise above the pressure, online scrutiny and fierce competition?
And who will ultimately carry Zimbabwe’s dreams onto the global stage?
Those answers are coming soon.
But one thing is already certain — Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 is no longer simply a beauty pageant.
It has become a national cultural phenomenon, a celebration of African excellence and a powerful reminder that Zimbabwe is ready to shine before the world once again.
