Gift Moyo [email protected]
MISS Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe 2026 Patience Phiri is set to leave for New Delhi, India, this weekend to represent the country at the international pageant, where she will compete against contestants from around the world.
For the 18-year-old beauty queen, the journey to the international stage is a significant milestone, especially considering the challenges she has overcome.
From enduring bullying during her formative years to earning a national pageant crown, Phiri’s story is one of resilience, self-belief and determination.
Looking back on the moment she was crowned Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe 2026, Phiri said she was overwhelmed with emotion. To her, the crown represents more than beauty and recognition; it gives her a platform to inspire others.
“When they called my name, my mind went blank for a second. I felt shock, happiness and tears all at the same time. Most people think a crown is just filled with jewellery, something fancy and nothing more. But for me, this crown is more than that. It brings hope to every single person, every teenager in our nation, Zimbabwe.
“Being crowned Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe 2026 gave me gratitude and a voice. A voice to stand for what I believe in, to stand for the voiceless and, most importantly, to stand for my nation,” she said.
Phiri said travelling to India to represent Zimbabwe was a dream come true. She hopes her journey will encourage other young people to believe in their abilities and pursue their ambitions, regardless of where they come from.
“To travel to India to represent my nation means everything to me. It shows that even a girl from Zimbabwe can go this far. I hope it shows people back home that no matter where you come from, you can still achieve your dreams and prosper. Keep hoping and praying, stand with God and never look down on yourself. Always believe in yourself,” she said.
Her interest in pageantry began when she watched other young girls modelling and expressing themselves confidently on stage. She wanted to overcome her shyness and develop the confidence to showcase her personality.
“What inspired me to get into pageantry was watching other young girls on stage. I watched them speak, stand out and shine. I always wanted to step out of my shadow, overcome my shyness and become the girl I was meant to be.
“Pageantry has taught me to stand up for myself, speak out and be heard whenever I need to. It has also taught me self-love. I hope other girls who see me can find inspiration, just as I did from other pageant queens,” she said.
As she looks forward to stepping onto the international stage in New Delhi, Phiri wants her presence to reflect Zimbabwe’s identity, values and resilience.
“I want them to see Zimbabwe through me and to see Ubuntu. I want them to understand that no matter how difficult things get, we can still rise and stand together. I want them to see my nation, my pride, my growth and the beauty of Zimbabwe, a home to us all.
“I am not just walking on that stage. I am walking for Zimbabwe and representing all the girls back home. I want them to see me as more than another queen with a crown, but as a queen who proudly represents her nation,” she said.
However, preparations for the international competition have not been without challenges. Phiri said the demands of getting everything ready, from securing travel documents to organising outfits and flights, had made the process hectic.
“I would not lie and say preparations have been going well. It has been hectic. I have been busy left, right and centre. As we speak, I am in Harare trying to get my visa approved, and by the grace of God, it has been approved.
“For now, I am just going with the flow. I have learnt that nothing comes easily in life. I believe God would never put you in a situation that you cannot overcome.
“I will always remember this as a lesson: the greater the sacrifice, the greater the outcome. I am trying to get the outfits, flights and everything else in order. I would like to thank Mam Mimmie for helping me, standing by me, guiding me and mentoring me throughout this journey,” she said.
As she prepares to leave, Phiri also acknowledged the support she has received from her family, the pageant organisers and designers who have helped prepare her for the international competition.
“I would also like to thank the Miss Teen of the Universe Organisation for making sure everything runs smoothly and pushing me towards greatness. I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey, including the designers who put in their best efforts to make sure I looked the part during the national competition.
“This has not been an easy journey, especially mentally, but I thank God that my family has stood by me, guided me and supported me in every way possible.
“Financially, things have been difficult, but Mam Mimmie made sure I did not have to face those challenges alone. This is now my time to make everyone who has supported me proud. I hope their hard work will not be in vain. Most of all, I want to thank my mother for always being there for me and pushing me to achieve more. Without her, I would never have made it this far. Thank you for your prayers, Mama,” she said.
Phiri is expected to depart for India through Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport this weekend, alongside fellow Zimbabwean queen Rutendo Mapfumo.
