Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
THE Miss Universe Zimbabwe Organisation has sent shockwaves through the glamour world after unveiling a major boardroom shake-up.
Taking centre stage is business powerhouse Danya Kabwebwe, who has officially been appointed the new Board chairperson.
The restructuring signals more than just a change in leadership as it marks the beginning of what insiders are already calling a fearless new era for Zimbabwean pageantry – one driven by ambition, strategy, and global dominance.
Kabwebwe, known for her business acumen as CEO of Sebam Energy, is now stepping into the spotlight with a mandate to elevate the country’s beauty industry to unprecedented heights.
But, behind the corporate success lies a woman whose passion for pageantry has been quietly shaping queens long before she took her seat at the top.
Opening up about her journey, Kabwebwe revealed that her connection to pageantry stretches back over a decade.
“My history in pageantry started over 10 years ago when I would dress models going to represent Zimbabwe at international pageants through my clothing line Lasape and DKM Fashion,” she said.
“So, the beauty and fashion industry is something I have loved and invested in for so many years.”
From styling contestants behind the scenes to now leading the boardroom, her rise has been both organic and inspiring.
She also reflected on the defining moment that brought her into the Miss Universe Zimbabwe fold, the historic return of the pageant after years in the wilderness.
“When I was invited to be a judge during the historic return of Miss Universe to Zimbabwe after a 22-year hiatus, I was honoured.
“This did not end there as I was invited to the board, which for me was a remarkable milestone,” she said.
Kabwebwe did not just occupy a seat, she got her hands dirty, learning the ropes and witnessing the realities of building a national brand from the ground up.
“I have served as a board member for three years and I have witnessed the growth, the ups and the downs of this national platform of national interest until Zimbabwe was eventually ranked the best pageant country in Africa in 2025 after back-to-back placements,” she said.
Indeed, Zimbabwe’s star has been rising – and expectations are now sky-high.
Her elevation to board chairperson is being seen as a strategic power move aimed at consolidating Zimbabwe’s growing influence on the global pageant stage.
And Kabwebwe is not taking the responsibility lightly.
“Being promoted to board chairperson is by far the biggest achievement in my journey in pageantry.
“I pledge my allegiance to serve my country with pride and honour,” she said.
But she will not be walking this journey alone.
The newly-structured board boasts a formidable line-up, including Board Advisor Zodwa Makandla and board members Apphia Musavengana, Tendai Kevin Zhou, Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Denny Marandure, Brooke B. Jackson and Joshua Taderera, a mix of experience, creativity, and industry clout.
The executive engine remains firmly in place, led by CEO Tendai Hunda and director Patience Lusengo, ensuring continuity as the organisation enters this exciting phase.
Kabwebwe has made it clear that the vision is bigger than titles and crowns, it is about legacy.
“With the support of the Zimbabwean community, together we will make Zimbabwe pageantry great not just now, but for the long run,” she said.
And if recent history is anything to go by, the foundation is already solid.
For the past three years, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe brand has been leaving an indelible mark on the international stage, with Zimbabwean queens consistently breaking into the Top 30 and turning heads with their beauty, confidence, and strong advocacy voices.
Mathew Masinge