Online Reporter
Laura Maposa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE search is on for the next Miss Universe Zimbabwe with auditions now in full swing.
Last Saturday, organisers of the prestigious pageant completed the Bulawayo auditions and were happy with what they saw.
Next is Harare on April 12 ahead of the top 30 reveal the following week on April 19 as aspiring contestants will compete for the chance to follow in the footsteps of reigning queen Sakhile Dube.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2024, Sakhile Dube, has urged contestants to embrace their uniqueness and confidence to succeed as they embark on the Miss Universe journey.
The lanky model says she is honoured to have represented her country and for the amazing opportunities that empowered and change a young woman’s life.
In an interview Sakhile, who finished in top 30 at last year’s Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, encouraged fellow models to be themselves and embrace their beauty.
“As an outgoing Miss Universe Zimbabwe, my advice to the 2025 contestants is to embrace your uniqueness and confidence.
“Thank you, Miss Universe, for this amazing opportunity to empower and change a young woman’s life! It was such a huge honour,” she said. Remember to be authentic and true to yourself throughout the competition.
“One of the most exciting aspects of the evolution of representing Zimbabwe internationally is the inclusivity that encompasses the diversity of beauty.
“Beauty is the combination of mind, body, soul, the desire to be your best and bring out the best in others.”
Continuing with her tips, Sakhile said that most contestants loose it simply because they hide their smile.
“Modelling is about beauty, smile and confident.”
“A lot of contestants don’t smile. Smiling is an immediate invitation and message of connection. You win the title to represent your country by being yourself hence do your best.”
“Connect with others, stay resilient, and use this platform to uplift and inspire those around you. Enjoy every moment and have fun,” said Sakhile.
The 28-year-old model is not new on the international scene where in 2023, she won Miss Supranational Africa, Supranational Top Model and locally was voted Miss Earth Zimbabwe (2022) and was Miss Tourism Zimbabwe.
During the Miss Universe World 2024 in Mexico, Sakhile, was the crowd’s favourite and left fans dejected after failing to make it in the top 12, despite her best “hot picks” looks pictures on pages on social media.
It was also surprising that she did not qualify for the pageant’s Voice For Change competition.
Dancer Victoria Kjar Theilvig (21) of Denmark was crowned Miss Universe 2024, becoming the first dancer ever to win the competition.
Nigerian beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina was voted first runner-up and the second runner-up is Mexico’s Maria Fernanda Beltran.
Top five finalists at the beauty pageant included Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri and Venezuela’s Ileana Marquez
Meanwhile the Miss Universe pageant organisers, said contestants will compete in events such as personal statements, interviews, evening gowns and swimwear.
Aspiring and qualified models are expected to be aged 18. The registration, which is being done physically and online, will close on April 12.
In a few weeks, a new queen will be crowned at an event at Harare’s Hippodrome.
