Online Reporter
Gift Moyo [email protected]
FRESH from being crowned Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe 2026, media personality Virginia Tlou Nyambe used her homecoming celebrations in Bulawayo to deliver a message of hope, urging young people to take risks, believe in themselves and pursue their dreams despite challenges.
Addressing hundreds of residents who gathered at a church hall in Lobengula Township on Wednesday, Nyambe reflected on her journey to the crown. She revealed that she entered the pageantry world with limited resources, but relied on faith, support from her community and determination to reach the international stage.
“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.”
Nyambe said her success was not hers alone, but a reflection of the collective effort and support she received from people around her.
“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.
Her address marked the emotional highlight of a day-long homecoming celebration that began earlier at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport. Family members, friends, fans and community leaders gathered to welcome her back to Bulawayo, where she arrived wearing her silver crown.
Nyambe was received at the airport by Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Raj Modi, who commended her achievement and described it as an inspiration to young people.
Welcoming her, Modi said Nyambe’s achievement should encourage youths to focus on 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 Nyambe was escorted through the airport by supporters, including local artiste Mzoe 7. She was then welcomed by Miss Intercontinental Africa 2024 Amanda Peresu and junior models who presented her with flowers.
Entertainment performances added to the festive mood, with spoken word artist Nox the Poet and saxophonist Vuyi Sax giving lively displays before a motorcade carried Nyambe through the streets of Bulawayo. Residents lined the roads, waving and cheering as the city celebrated its newest international beauty queen.
At Bulawayo City Hall, Nyambe received another warm welcome from traditional dancers and city representatives, who praised her for putting the city on the global map.
“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 moved to Lobengula Township, where large crowds gathered to welcome one of their own. The community event provided Nyambe with a platform to thank her supporters and share lessons from her journey, particularly the importance of perseverance and belief in one’s dreams.
The day’s activities concluded with a cocktail event attended by family, friends and former beauty queens. The celebration featured performances by Afro-fusion artiste Macala Macala and the No Name Dance Group, bringing the homecoming to a vibrant close.
Speaking at the event, Nyambe’s close friend Mitchelle Tshuma expressed gratitude to the Bulawayo community for supporting the beauty queen throughout her journey. Tshuma said Nyambe’s rise had surprised many who initially knew her as a media personality rather than a model.
“Thank you all for being here to celebrate with the Nyambe family. What Virginia has achieved in such a short space of time is nothing but a pure miracle because we know her as a media queen and not a model. At least we thought she wasn’t, but she has proved us all wrong,” she said.
Tshuma said Nyambe’s achievement carries a deeper message for young people, particularly girls who may doubt their potential because of their background.
“Like she always says, this is not for her, but for Bulawayo. This is for all the young girls with a vision who think they can’t make it because of where they come from. She is true testament that you can do tremendous things with hard work.”
