Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Miss International Zimbabwe, Yollanda Chimbarami, has left Zimbabwe for Tokyo, Japan, where she will be representing the nation at the Miss International 2025 pageant, taking place on November 27 at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Shibuya.
The 26-year-old beauty queen, actress and entrepreneur left the country on Tuesday.
As she departed, she urged Zimbabweans to rally behind her.
“Every step I take, every smile I share, it’s all for my Zimbabwean family. Let’s show the world the power, grace and resilience of our people. Every stage I stand on and every voice I raise is not for me alone, but for my country,” said Yollanda.
She thanked her family, friends, sponsors, and fans across the country for their support, saying their encouragement motivates her to make the nation proud.
The competition will feature 82 contestants from around the world, who will travel across Japan, taking part in charity events, cultural exchanges, and various sub-contests leading up to the grand finale.
Yollanda is a multi-talented artiste and entrepreneur who has made a mark across multiple industries. As a model, she has walked the runway for renowned designers, David Tlale and Danielle Allen. Her acting career includes roles in films such as Windfall, In Plain Sight, Finally Caught, Stump the Guesser and The Day My Job Tried to Kill Me.
She has also lent her voice to Disney’s animated series, Supa Strikas.
Beyond the runway and screen, Yollanda is the founder of the YC Yollanda shoe brand and co-founder of the Help A Child Save A Nation initiative, which provides tuition assistance to more than 200 children each semester in Zimbabwe.
Her influence extends to international advocacy, as a United Nations panellist, she promotes access to education in Africa and serves as a youth ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation, which focuses on inclusion and accessibility.
First held in 1960, Miss International is one of the world’s four major beauty pageants, alongside Miss World, Miss Universe and Miss Earth. This year marks its 63rd edition, with outgoing queen, Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy, set to hand over the crown.
