Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
A FRESH wave of optimism is sweeping through the country’s pageantry circles following the announcement by the Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisation of a newly restructured board, with Danya Kabwebwe stepping in as board chairperson.
The board features a mix of experienced professionals and creatives, including Board Advisor Zodwa Mkandla, alongside members Apphia Musavengana, Tendai Kevin Zhou, Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Denny Marandure, Brooke Bruk Jackson and Joshua Taderera.
The board will work in collaboration with the executive team led by chief executive officer Tendai Hunda and director Patience Lusengo, as the organisation seeks to build on its recent gains. The development has been widely viewed as a strategic reset designed to strengthen the organisation’s governance and sharpen its focus on developing competitive representatives for the global stage.
With Zimbabwe’s presence in international pageants steadily rising in recent years, expectations surrounding the new leadership are already high. Kabwebwe, a respected entrepreneur and chief executive officer of Sebam Energy, brings both corporate expertise and a long-standing passion for fashion and pageantry. While her appointment marks a significant milestone in her professional journey, she says her connection to the industry began long before she entered the boardroom.
“My history in pageantry started over 10 years ago when I would dress models going to represent Zimbabwe at international pageants through my clothing line Lasape and DKM Fashion. So the beauty and fashion industry is something I have loved and invested in for so many years,” she said. Her journey with the organisation began during a defining moment — the return of Miss Universe Zimbabwe after a 22-year absence — when she was first engaged as a judge.
“When I was invited to be a judge during the historic return of Miss Universe Zimbabwe after a 22-year hiatus, I was honoured. This did not end there as I was invited to the board, which for me was a remarkable milestone,” she added.
Having served on the board for three years, Kabwebwe says she has had a front-row seat to the organisation’s transformation, from rebuilding the brand to achieving recognition on the continental stage.
“I have served as a board member for three years, and I have witnessed the growth, the ups and the downs of this national platform of national interest until Zimbabwe was eventually ranked the best pageant country in Africa in 2025 after back-to-back placements,” she said. Now taking on the role of chairperson, she views the appointment as both an honour and a call to serve. “Being promoted to board chairperson is by far the biggest achievement in my journey in pageantry. I pledge my allegiance to serve my country with pride and honour,” she said. Kabwebwe believes the success of the new structure will depend on collective effort and national support.
“With the support of the Zimbabwean community, together we will make Zimbabwe pageantry great — not just now, but for the long run,” she said. Her sentiments appear to resonate with many Zimbabweans, as social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support following the announcement.
Pageant enthusiasts, industry stakeholders, and ordinary citizens alike have expressed confidence in the new board, describing it as a capable team with the vision to elevate Zimbabwe’s standing even further.
Many have also pointed to Kabwebwe’s business track record and passion for mentorship as reasons for renewed hope, saying the restructuring has restored pride and belief in the national pageant system.
However, over the past three years, Miss Universe Zimbabwe has steadily built momentum on the international stage, with local representatives consistently breaking into the Top 30 and earning recognition for their performance, presence, and advocacy work. This growing track record has not only raised Zimbabwe’s profile, but also strengthened public interest in pageantry as a platform for empowerment and national representation. With a new board now in place and strong public backing, the organisation enters its next phase with a clear mandate — to consolidate its gains and position Zimbabwe as a consistent contender among the world’s best.
