Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
NO wonder they call it the City of Kings and Queens.
Bulawayo came alive this weekend as Miss Universe Zimbabwe auditions roared into town with a huge turnout that left organisers thrilled as dozens of talented, confident and breathtakingly beautiful young women lined up for a shot at the crown.
From early morning, hopeful queens flooded the venue dressed in black to impress, armed with heels, confidence and dreams of representing Zimbabwe on the global stage. The energy was electric as judges were treated to a parade of beauty, brains and personality, proving once again that the City of Kings and Queens does not play when it comes to pageantry. With polished walks, bold introductions and fierce confidence, Bulawayo delivered a statement: The race for the crown is officially on.
The successful auditions now move to Harare next Saturday, where another crop of hopefuls is expected to battle for a place at the national finals.
If Bulawayo was this explosive, Harare is expected to bring fireworks.
Insiders said the organisers were impressed not only by the numbers, but by the quality of contestants who came through. Several hopefuls arrived with professional portfolios, advocacy platforms and strong stage presence, showing that Zimbabwean beauty pageants are entering a polished new chapter.
The excitement comes as the pageant continues to rebuild under a refreshed board determined to restore glamour, credibility and international competitiveness.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 Lyshanda Moyas was the undisputed darling of the Bulawayo auditions as fans and aspiring models flocked around her for pictures, selfies and warm interactions during the glamorous event.
The reigning queen brought star power, elegance and inspiration, with many young women eager to meet the woman currently carrying Zimbabwe’s beauty crown.From the moment she arrived, Lyshanda drew attention from the crowd, with many gathering to snap photos and cheer her on as she encouraged contestants preparing to chase their own dreams. Her presence added sparkle to an already electric day filled with beauty, confidence and ambition.
Lyshanda praised the level of talent and beauty on display in the City of Kings and Queens.
“Bulawayo has beautiful women and I am hopeful some of them will make it into the top 12 finalists who will compete for the coveted crown,” she said.
Her remarks sent excitement through the hopefuls, many of whom saw the auditions as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow in her footsteps.
This year’s Miss Universe Zimbabwe grand finale is set for June 6 at Harare Hippodrome, where the top 12 finalists will battle it out for the crown in what promises to be a glamorous night.
Organisers have also promised a star-studded line-up of performers, setting the stage for one of the biggest entertainment and fashion events of the year.
Mathew Masinge