Online Reporter
Gift [email protected]
Amid the heated debate surrounding Malaika Mushandu’s dethronement as Miss Cosmo Zimbabwe 2026, Zimbabwean model and pageantry titleholder Prince Ambassador Ray Jive Ndlela Bamala has chosen to shift the conversation from the controversy to the former queen’s achievements, reminding her that her legacy extends far beyond a pageant title.
Bamala, who holds the titles Mister Businessman World 2026 and Mister Glamour People’s Choice 2025, took to social media to pen a personal message of encouragement to Mushandu following the announcement of her dethronement.
Rather than dwelling on the circumstances surrounding the decision, Bamala used his message to highlight Mushandu’s journey in pageantry and modelling, pointing to achievements he believes cannot be erased by the loss of a crown.
“Dear Malaika Mushandu. At just 17 years old, you became one of the youngest Miss Zimbabwe titleholders, and went on to win Supermodel World. Those achievements are part of your history, and no dethronement can erase them.
“Sometimes principled people are misunderstood. When you stand up for yourself, they call you rude. When you know your worth, they call you arrogant. When you refuse to compromise your principles for acceptance, you may become hated simply because you cannot be easily controlled.
“Never reduce yourself to make others comfortable. Continue to stand firm, while always allowing wisdom and growth to strengthen you. A crown can be taken. A title can be removed. Public opinion can change. But history cannot be rewritten.
“You were Miss Zimbabwe at 17. You stood among the Top 8 at Miss World. You conquered international modelling stages. This is not the end of Malaika Mushandu. They may dethrone the title, but they cannot dethrone the woman, the achievements, the purpose, and the legacy,” he said.
Bamala’s message places the emphasis firmly on the person behind the crown, arguing that Mushandu’s accomplishments remain part of her identity regardless of the outcome of her latest pageantry chapter.
His intervention comes as support for Mushandu continues to emerge from sections of Zimbabwe’s modelling and pageantry fraternity, with several industry figures using social media to reflect on her career and achievements.
