Online Reporter
Gift Moyo
FRESH from being crowned Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe 2026, Virginia Tlou Nyambe used her homecoming celebrations to encourage young people to take risks, have faith and pursue their dreams.
Addressing hundreds of Bulawayo residents who gathered at a church hall in Lobengula on Wednesday, Virginia reflected on her journey to the crown.
She revealed that she began her pageantry journey with limited resources but relied on faith, community support and perseverance to achieve her goal.
“It’s just a matter of taking that one risk, but knowing that the results will be amazing.
“When I started this journey, I had no money. I turned to everyone that I knew to help me out and things came together.
“The thing about God is that He will definitely make it work. In places where I thought that I would not be able to enter, God opened that door for me and allowed me to stand in front of you as my community with this crown.”
Virginia said this wasn’t her victory alone.
She said the victory also belonged to her community.
“There’s a lot of work ahead of me as Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe but, with the help of my family, friends, community and country, I know that we’ll do a fantastic job,” she said.
The address was the emotional climax of a day-long homecoming show that began at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, where family members, friends, fans and community leaders gathered to welcome the beauty queen home.
Virginia emerged from the aircraft wearing her silver crown and was welcomed by Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi.
Modi said Virginia’s achievement should inspire young people to pursue positive goals.
“This moment for Virginia should be an inspiration for younger people. We have a problem with substance abuse among the younger generations but this achievement should show them that dreams are achievable,” he said.
The celebrations continued as Virginia was escorted through the airport by supporters, including local artist Mzoe 7, before being welcomed by Miss Intercontinental Africa 2024, Amanda Peresu, and junior models bearing flowers.
Performances by spoken word artist Nox the Poet and saxophonist Vuyi Sax added colour to the occasion before a motorcade escorted Virginia through Bulawayo’s streets to the City Hall, where residents lined the roads to cheer and wave at the returning queen.
At the City Hall, traditional dancers and city representatives welcomed Virginia and congratulated her on her achievement.
“On behalf of the City councillors and the City of Bulawayo, we give you a very big welcome.
“We proudly congratulate Virginia on her historic achievement,” said a Council representative.
The celebrations later shifted to Lobengula township, where residents poured onto the streets to welcome one of their own.
The community gathering provided Virginia with an opportunity to thank supporters and share the lessons she has learnt during her journey to the international stage.
The day concluded with a cocktail celebration attended by family, friends and former beauty queens.
There were performances by Afro-fusion artise Macala Macala and the No Name Dance Group as Bulawayo celebrated its newest international beauty queen.
