Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo in Bangkok, Thailand
THE Miss Universe Zimbabwe board, led by Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, arrived in Thailand yesterday, ahead of this year’s highly-anticipated Miss Universe pageant, where Zimbabwe’s representative Lyshanda Moyas is already making waves on the international stage.
The arrival marks an important moment in Zimbabwe’s pageantry calendar, as it signals full national support for Moyas, who enters the final week of activities and preparations.
Their presence has been warmly recognised by organisers and diplomatic officials in the region. Upon landing, Col Baloyi-Chiwenga said they were happy to be in Thailand and pledged full support for Moyas.
“We are happy that you have come to support Lyshanda. She is doing well and we wish her the best. We also want to thank Zimbabwe for continuing to support her through voting,” she said.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe Lyshanda Moyas
“Keep voting and I urge and encourage those voting to use the right platform, that is the correct and official page of Miss Universe.”
She said it is a tight competition but was optimistic that Moyas can bring the crown home.
“What I have seen from her performance is that she has the confidence and is very beautiful. She has the qualities of the international model, and we are impressed as a nation,” said Col Baloyi-Chiwenga.
“What is left for us is to fully support her and make sure that she receives all that she needs, well prepared for the finals.”
She highlighted the history of Miss Universe Zimbabwe, announcing that the pageant came back in 2022, after a 22-year hiatus.
“We all know that the sanctions, affected a lot of activities on the modelling arena. We came back in 2022 and this is very important for our country because when our girl is on stage, we know we will be happy that she is carrying our national flag high.
“They will know that there is a country called Zimbabwe and also based on the performances of past years, we keep improving and hopefully this year we will do better,” she said.
For the Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisation, the trip signifies more than just attending a pageant — it represents national pride, support for the country’s queen and the ongoing efforts to place Zimbabwean beauty, culture and talent firmly on the world map.
Col Baloyi-Chiwenga — who has been instrumental in revitalising the Miss Universe Zimbabwe brand — is expected to attend several official engagements, courtesy calls and pageant-related activities leading up to the finale.
The board received a special welcome from Thailand Embassy officials accredited to Zimbabwe but currently based in Malaysia.
