Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
REIGNING Miss World Zimbabwe Courtney Jongwe arrives in India today ahead of the global pageant Miss World festival scheduled for May 31.
Courtney will join 107 other contestants from various countries as they enter boot camp today.
The 72nd edition of the Miss World final will be held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
All eyes and hopes are on Courtney to bring the crown home, making history for Zimbabwe.
Courtney, a 23-year-old Chemical and processing engineering student from Manicaland State University, said it was an honour to represent Zimbabwe at the prestigious pageant.
She said she is optimistic that she will bring the title home.
“It is an incredible honour and deeply humbling to represent Zimbabwe on such a prestigious platform. I carry my nation’s spirit, stories and hopes with immense pride,” she said.
Courtney, who previously competed at Miss Earth 2023, will champion her mental health initiative, The Sanctuary Project, as part of the Miss World “Beauty with a Purpose” campaign.
Her work focuses on expanding access to mental health services and creating safe spaces for open dialogue in Zimbabwe.
“My message to the world is that Zimbabwe is full of promise, and our voices, especially those of young women, deserve to be heard on global platforms,” she said.
Courtney follows in the footsteps of iconic Zimbabwean women who have previously stood on the Miss World stage, adding her own voice to a legacy of grace, courage, and empowerment.
“Knowing that I carry the hopes of a nation inspires me to walk with confidence and grace on the world stage,” she said.
In a show of national pride and support, Kirsty Coventry, former Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, and the current president of the International Olympic Committee, personally saw Courtney off at the airport.
Coventry’s presence underscored the national significance of Courtney’s participation and the broader impact of young Zimbabwean women stepping into global arenas.
Director of Miss World Zimbabwe, Patience Lusengo, expressed immense confidence in Courtney.
“Courtney is a young lady who truly represents the essence of what it means to be Zimbabwean. She is strong, resilient, and bright just like our nation.
“Her preparations have been intense and heartfelt, from advocacy presentations and gym routines to countless meetings and sponsorship calls. She is going with a mindset of excellence,” said Lusengo.
Courtney’s journey is a reminder of Zimbabwe’s enduring spirit and a call to the youth that greatness begins with purpose, heart and an unshakable belief in one’s roots.
“Zimbabweans have been amazing and their encouragement fuels my drive to shine not for myself, but for all of us,” she said.
Her leadership journey includes serving as vice president of the university’s Student Representative Council, a testament to her commitment to service and representation.
Courtney previously represented Zimbabwe at Miss Earth 2023 in Vietnam, where she stood out for her environmental advocacy and eloquence.
