With love, from Canada

Gift Moyo

AS Zimbabwe gears up for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe finals on June 6 at the Hippodrome, Canada-based contestant Kuzivakwashe Mujakachi is emerging as a confident young woman driven by resilience, self-discovery and purpose.

Mujakachi, 32, a television presenter and 911 emergency telecommunications operator who was raised in Bulawayo, says her journey into pageantry began long before the bright lights and glamorous stages.

“At boarding school, pageants were one of the ways we entertained ourselves during weekends.

“ I was immediately drawn to the stage, the confidence, the performance and the artistry of presentation,” she said.

Although she later shifted her focus to dance and performance arts, encouragement from family members continued to steer her towards modelling and pageantry.

Watching her cousin and a family friend compete for the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe title became a defining moment.

“I remember promising myself that one day I would stand on that stage too,” she said.

Years later, that dream began taking shape when she entered Miss World Zimbabwe, where she was crowned second runner-up and won the People’s Choice title.

While she initially believed that chapter of her life had closed, a renewed sense of purpose drew her back to the pageant world.

“About two years ago, I felt a calling to return, not simply to compete, but to contribute something meaningful,” she said.

Mujakachi believes her Zimbabwean upbringing has been central to shaping the woman she is today.

She credits local culture for teaching her the importance of communication, adaptability and staying grounded.

“Zimbabweans are natural storytellers. Through our traditions and communities, we learn how to connect with people and communicate with purpose.

“There is a saying that resonates deeply with me: you can take the girl out of Zimbabwe, but you cannot take the Zimbabwe out of the girl.”

Behind her poised appearance, however, lies a personal journey marked by insecurity and growth.

Mujakachi revealed that growing up, she often struggled with comments about her body image and, at one point, questioned her own beauty and worth.

“Being frequently described as ‘too skinny’ made me question qualities that I now embrace with confidence.

“For a time, I focused more on fitting expectations rather than celebrating my individuality.”

With time, she learnt that confidence is cultivated internally rather than granted by society.

“With maturity came a different perspective.“I learnt that confidence is not something granted by others; it is something cultivated from within.

“Once I understood that, I stopped seeking permission to take up space and started fully embracing who I am.”

The aspiring queen said preparing for Miss Universe Zimbabwe has also demanded emotional strength and sacrifice.

At one point during preparations, she seriously considered quitting.

“The responsibility of the opportunity felt immense, and I found myself questioning whether I should continue,” she said.

Support from family and close friends ultimately helped her reconnect with her purpose.

“I realised this journey was never simply about a crown.

“It was about influence, impact and the opportunity to contribute to conversations and causes that matter deeply to me.”

Proud of her African heritage, Mujakachi said she has never felt pressured to conform to Western beauty standards.

“From my hair to my complexion, my heritage is something that I celebrate rather than compromise,” she said.

She added that beauty should not be a matter of competition, but rather be appreciated in its diverse forms across cultures and communities.

Beyond pageantry, Mujakachi hopes to use her platform to inspire meaningful social change.

She is particularly passionate about emergency services and public safety awareness and hopes her journey can create a lasting impact.

“Years from now, I hope I can look back and be proud of how boldly I used this platform.

“I hope I can point to lives improved, opportunities created and meaningful contributions made towards Zimbabwe’s development,” she said.

At the heart of her journey is her mother, whom she describes as her greatest source of strength and sacrifice.

“She has been one of the greatest examples of strength, grace and perseverance in my life,” said Mujakachi.