Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo in Bangkok, Thailand
In Bangkok, where tradition blends effortlessly with modern splendour, Zimbabwe’s beauty queen, Lyshanda Moyas has emerged as a favourite among locals.
Her presence has quickly become one of the most talked-about among the 80 contestants preparing for the Miss Universe grand finale.
Thai spectators who have encountered her during tours, rehearsals and the swimsuit fashion showcase have expressed admiration not only for her beauty, but also for the gentle authenticity she exudes.
One Thai native, Somachai, who followed several public appearances, remarked after seeing her, “The Zimbabwe girl is incredibly beautiful. Very calm, very natural, she stands out without trying too hard. Many of us believe she has a real chance of winning.”
For a contestant representing a nation still rebuilding its presence in global pageantry, this warm reception has added fuel to her rising momentum in Thailand.
Lyshanda’s journey has been shaped by key milestones, and she speaks openly about the emotional weight of each moment.
Fresh from her closed-door interview with the Miss Universe selection committee, she spoke with confidence and gratitude, saying, “I had a successful interview with a panel of the selection committee, and I have learnt a lot.”
The session, she shared, was an awakening that sharpened her sense of responsibility and reminded her of the larger purpose tied to her presence on the Miss Universe stage.
“Every single day, I remind myself of the vision: to put Zimbabwe on the map. Waking up to that purpose has been my drive and my anchor,” she said, her words echoing the seriousness with which she carries the flag.
But beyond the pressure of competition, Thailand has offered her unexpected delights and discoveries. At first amused and slightly surprised by how quickly she adapted, Lyshanda described experiences that have now become small rituals in her day.
“I have fallen in love with learning about different cultures and traditions here. Thailand is truly a melting pot of beautiful people and customs,” she said, finding joy in the cultural diversity that surrounds her daily. She laughed as she revealed one change she never anticipated: “I’ve surprisingly acquired a taste of drinking hot tea even in this hot weather! At first, it felt impossible, but now it has become part of my daily routine.” Yet the deepest revelation was inward, rooted in personal growth.
“I’ve discovered that immersing myself fully in a new environment actually brings out the most confident and grounded version of me, something I’ll forever carry with me on and off the Miss Universe stage.”
As the competition tightens and the grand finale draws nearer, her eyes are firmly on the finish line.
Rehearsals have intensified, feedback has grown sharper, and expectations, national and international have risen.
Still, Lyshanda remains hopeful, committed, and grounded.
“In this week, we are definitely promising mabviravira,” she said with a playful chuckle, before quickly shifting into her determined, purposeful tone.
“In all honesty, this is the final stretch, the moment to focus, deliver and honour the expectations of everyone back home.”
The 26-year-old lanky model acknowledged the digital age’s influence on pageantry, noting how closely contestants are watched and critiqued online.
“I have taken in constructive feedback from various social media platforms, and trust me, we are applying it,” she said, signalling a willingness to evolve continuously.
Her vision for this final segment of the pageant is rich with patriotic pride and self-belief.
“This last lap is about taking Zimbabwe to another level, standing tall and pushing our Zimbabwean narrative with pride, authenticity, and so much heart. I believe it is truly our time to shine.” And for the supporters who have followed every step of her journey, from Harare to Bangkok, she extended a heartfelt message.
“Your support means everything. I kindly ask you all to continue voting by downloading the Miss Universe application. Let’s do this together. Let’s raise our flag high.” Lyshanda’s path to the Miss Universe platform stems from Zimbabwe’s renewed efforts to strengthen its pageantry identity. The national competition that crowned her was part of a broader movement to re-establish Zimbabwe’s global relevance by selecting representatives who are articulate, socially conscious, culturally rooted and internationally competitive.
Her win symbolised this evolution, a young woman who merges professional background, cultural pride and clear advocacy into a polished, world-ready contender.
Her time in Thailand also unfolds during a sensitive cultural moment. The host nation, known worldwide as the “land of smiles,” is balancing the lively pageant atmosphere with a period of national mourning following the passing of a revered member of the royal family.
Tourists and visiting delegations, including the Miss Universe teams, have been kindly reminded to observe cultural etiquette by avoiding excessive celebrations in certain areas, dressing modestly inside some establishments, and showing respect during national observances.
The Thai public, while grieving, still has embraced the beauty and cultural exchange that Miss Universe brings, creating an atmosphere of grace, warmth and quiet resilience.
Amid this delicate balance, Lyshanda continues to represent Zimbabwe with dignity and charisma. Her journey in Thailand has been shaped by admiration from locals, introspective growth, and the weight of national pride.
As the final night approaches, one thing is clear: whether the crown lands on her head or not, she has carved a place in the hearts of many in Thailand and ensured that Zimbabwe’s name rings loudly on the Miss Universe stage.
