Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
THE race for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 crown officially begins this weekend as national auditions open in Bulawayo before moving to Harare the following weekend, launching what is expected to be one of the most exciting pageant seasons in recent years.
With the grand finale set for June 6 at the Harare Hippodrome, anticipation is already building among aspiring contestants, pageant lovers and the fashion industry as young women from across the country prepare to compete for the chance to represent Zimbabwe on the global Miss Universe stage.
Bulawayo will host the first round of auditions this Saturday, with Harare taking over the following weekend in what organisers say is a nationwide search for beauty, intelligence, confidence and leadership.
The auditions are expected to attract dozens of hopefuls eager to wear the national crown.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe board chairperson Danya Kabwebwe said the auditions represent the start of a renewed journey for the pageant and a chance to identify women who can proudly carry the Zimbabwean flag on the world stage.
“We are excited to begin our national search in Bulawayo this Saturday before moving to Harare the following weekend. This is more than a beauty contest, it is a platform to identify intelligent, confident and purpose-driven young women ready to represent Zimbabwe with pride,” said Kabwebwe.
She said that this year’s edition promises to be bigger and more impactful than previous years.
“The grand finale on June 6 at the Harare Hippodrome will be a celebration of beauty with purpose, leadership, culture and excellence. We are creating a platform that empowers women while positioning Zimbabwe strongly on the global pageant map,” she said.
For many aspiring models and young professionals, Miss Universe Zimbabwe has become one of the most important platforms for personal growth, visibility and national representation.
“Beyond the gowns, crowns and glamour, contestants are often judged on communication skills, social awareness, confidence, poise and the ability to become ambassadors for the country.”
Organisers say the modern beauty queen is no longer selected on appearance alone, but on character, intellect and impact. This has transformed pageantry into a space where women can advocate for community causes, entrepreneurship, education and empowerment.
The finale is expected to deliver a glamorous night of fashion, music and entertainment, blending world-class production with Zimbabwean flair. Designers, choreographers and event planners are already working behind the scenes to ensure the event meets international standards.
Music is also set to play a key role in the night, with organisers expected to unveil a star-studded line-up of performers in the coming weeks.
“We have artistes such as Nutty O, Queen Kadja, Junior Spragga, Xiba, Delroy Shewe and Chill Master.”
“The pageant has increasingly become a full entertainment spectacle, attracting fans beyond the modelling world and drawing support from corporate brands and creatives.”
Kabwebwe said Zimbabwe has the talent, beauty and determination to shine internationally.
“Our queens have shown before that Zimbabwe can compete with the best in the world. We now want to prepare a new generation of ambassadors who understand service, discipline, and excellence,” she said.
Zimbabwe’s recent performances on global stages have given the pageant renewed confidence. In recent years, local representatives have been impressed by their intelligence, confidence, and ability to connect with international audiences.
Last year’s edition saw Lyshanda Moyas finishing in the top 30 at Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.
Brooke Bruk-Jackson earned recognition during her participation at Miss Universe, drawing praise for her advocacy work and stage presence. Sakhile Dube also raised the national flag high with a strong showing.
Those performances have helped restore belief that Zimbabwe can once again become a serious contender in international pageantry. The country has long produced naturally gifted models and articulate young women, but consistency, preparation and support systems are now becoming the key focus. The return of organised national auditions in major cities such as Bulawayo and Harare also signals a desire to widen the talent pool and ensure inclusivity. Bulawayo has historically been a strong source of pageant talent, while Harare remains the country’s commercial and entertainment hub.
Industry observers say this year’s pageant comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s fashion and creative sectors are growing steadily, meaning contestants will have more visibility, stronger mentorship and broader opportunities after the competition.
For the contestants, the journey starts with one audition, one walk and one opportunity to impress the judges. For the country, it begins a fresh search for a queen who can inspire a nation and command the world stage.
