Online Reporter
Robson Sharuko-Metros Editor
ITS residents call it Chitown but it’s fair to say that this vast dormitory town has struggled to produce some feel-good stories of late.
The stuff, usually associated with Chitungwiza, are the ugly tales.
The regular flow of raw sewage on some of its streets, a man who was kept in a ceiling for 14 years and a teenager who was locked up in a room for three years.
There was a time when it was the home of sungura music.
But that, too, has changed.
Baba Shero moved out of his hometown, John Chibadura is late and the legendary Nicholas Zakaria died in December last year.
However, a beauty queen has emerged from Chitown and is giving residents of this vast urban settlement a reason to be cheerful.
Her name is Brunette Makanyiso.
This week, Brunette was named among the Top 18 finalists for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 beauty pageant.
She has forced her way into an elite company of beauty queens, which includes Kuzivakwashe Mujakachi, a Zimbabwean-Canadian model, television personality known for appearing on Big Brother Canada 11 and The Traitors Canada.
The other contestants, who made it into the top 18, are Jemima Mandemwa, Monalisa Dube, Roseanna Hall, Shelly Bent, Ruvimbo Njomboro, Malaika Mushandu, Cheryl Sambadzai, Nomaqhikiza Mokoni, Paris Huni, Kudzaishe Mwanika, Virginia Tlou Nyambe, Adelle Chinamasa, Charmaine Mabvundwe, Nicole Nyawera, Tatenda Madunga, and Sindiso Ndlovu.
Only 12 finalists will advance to the Boot Camp ahead of the grand finale scheduled for June 6 at the Harare Hippodrome, where Zimbabwe’s next queen will be crowned.
The winner of Miss Universe Zimbabwe crown will compete at 75th Miss Universe pageant which will be held in Puerto Rico in November.
Chitungwiza Town Council has congratulated Brunette for making it into the Top 18.
“Congratulations to Brunette Makanyiso for making it into the Top 18 finalists of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe and for making Chitungwiza proud.
“Brunette, who resides in Manyame Park, is the daughter of Seke South District Officer Ms Faith Makanyiso.
“Her achievement is a proud moment for the community and an inspiration to many young people in Chitungwiza.”
And, there has been a flood of warm comments from various individuals.
Here are some of the comments:
Congrats. Thank you for raising the Chitungwiza flag high. – Eunice Muwunganirwa Msipha
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Our own product, ummm very happy … we will support you all the way. – Juliet Mafararikwa
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Congratulations Sis. – Talent Christabel Makanyiso
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Congratulations Brunette. – Julia Chibukwa
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You got my vote, Chitown ndokumba. – Sharleen Mangena
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Mwana wa Chihera iyeye. Well done my little sister. Congratulations – Christine Dzvene
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Ahoy Chitown, musha mukuru…Congratulations girl…the hood is proud of you. – Shingayi Mtandwa
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Go and shine more sis. Proud of her. Represent us. – Naomi Rud-maitady Kazingizi-Mabvure
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Congratulations Brunette on qualifying for Miss Universe Zimbabwe. Your confidence and determination are inspiring. Wishing you greatness ahead. – Sheikh Aliy Kadengu
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Brunette Makanaka Makanyiso congrats sis super proud of you. – Tinodaishe Kay
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Ndomabruneti acho anotaurwa aya, anyway Congratulations. – Amai Sekwi
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Kubereka kwana Chihera, chichekererwa seshereni, makorokoto mwanaskana. – Nosisi Mabena
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Mwana waChihera iyeye. – Christine Dzvene
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Well done my little sister. Congratulations. – Christine Dzvene
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Akanaka Brunett asi she is representing a dump of sewages, veduweee muO tanzwa ko isu tisinga afforder maseptic todii? – Marcie Vimbai Sengai
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Paya patinenge tichiti Chitungwiza musha mukuru ndizvo zvatinenge tichitaura. Congrats ghetto yut. – Vongai Makuchete Zvinavakobvu
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Congratulations Brunette on qualifying for Miss Universe Zimbabwe. Your confidence and determination are inspiring. Wishing you greatness ahead. – Sheikh Aliy Kadengu
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Vanhu vekuChitungwiza musiyane netsika yekuzviti mogara kuHarare. – Greatname Maungwa
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Mumasuhwehwe uchitoshaina mwanasikana. – Tinashe Emmanuel Gutuza
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Chitungwiza yangu usaidherere, Congratulations girl. – Memory Mubayiwa
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Vamwe vachirasa vana. Makorokoto wadadisa mwana. – Thomas Svinurai Makutya
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Ndakayenda kuChitungwiza, ndikawona vasikana vakanaka. – Malik Low
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Mwana waShava anoendamberi uyo. – Maposa Gabriel
