Online Reporter
Sithatshisiwe Gwaza-Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
Zimbabwe is set to make history this May with the launch of its first-ever Mrs Universe Zimbabwe pageant, a milestone that broadens the country’s beauty and advocacy landscape beyond traditional platforms such as Miss World Zimbabwe and Miss Universe Zimbabwe, among others.
Scheduled for 7 May, the national pageant is licenced and directed by Sibonelo Khuphe, the reigning Mrs Universe Africa.
Khuphe says the initiative marks a deliberate shift from conventional beauty contests to a platform grounded in purpose, advocacy and social impact.
“This platform goes far beyond physical beauty,” Khuphe said.
“It focuses on social responsibility, advocacy and creating positive community impact rather than traditional modelling standards.”
The Mrs Universe pageant is an annual international competition open to married, divorced or widowed women aged 28 to 50.
It champions inclusivity, welcoming women of all body types while celebrating maturity, leadership, achievement and purpose alongside beauty.
Contestants are encouraged to advance causes aligned with women’s empowerment and social development.
“Beauty is no longer much of a pre-requisite, although it is a beauty pageant,” Khuphe said.
“What matters is that the advocacy you believe in aligns with the Mrs Universe advocacy, which speaks strongly to issues such as gender-based violence.”
Khuphe revealed that Zimbabwe has never previously participated in the Mrs Universe pageant due to the absence of a national licence holder. Her own journey on the continental stage proved pivotal.
“I was privileged to participate at Mrs Universe Africa under the Africa banner,” she said. “That experience motivated me to take the bold step of introducing the pageant back home.”
In 2025, Khuphe acquired the national licence after recognising the opportunity it presented for women who are often excluded from mainstream pageants.
“When I acquired the licence, I knew it would make a significant difference for women who do not qualify for most pageants,” she said.
For years, Zimbabwe’s pageantry space has been dominated by “Miss” platforms that largely celebrate youth, glamour and national representation on global stages. In contrast, “Mrs” pageants remain under-explored and less publicised, despite their critical role in celebrating diversity, resilience and women’s lived experiences beyond early adulthood.
The debut of Mrs Universe Zimbabwe changes that narrative. This year’s winner will represent the country on the global stage for the first time at the Mrs Universe International Pageant, set for October in Botswana.
“Lucky for us, Mrs Universe International will be hosted in Africa, right here in Botswana,” Khuphe said. “We are confident that we will be able to take our participant there.”
The current Mrs Universe titleholder is India’s Sherry Singh, who is expected to crown her successor at the international finals.
Khuphe noted that hosting the national pageant in May allows ample time for preparation ahead of the global competition.
“We should have enough time to prepare properly, including our national costumes, which are crucial in showcasing what Zimbabwe is all about,” she said.
She also emphasised a commitment to professionalism and accountability, particularly around prize-giving.
“We have been engaging several organisations that are excited to fund a platform supporting women, who had previously parked their dreams and are now ready to realise them,” Khuphe said.
The introduction of Mrs Universe Zimbabwe signals a significant shift towards inclusive pageantry in the country — one that recognises accomplished women as leaders, advocates and change-makers. Beyond crowns and sashes, the platform offers women a renewed space to amplify their voices, champion meaningful causes and contribute positively to their communities, proving that purpose, impact and leadership are timeless.
