SATURDAY night was one for history books in the local modelling industry as the who's who gathered once again to crown yet another beautiful girl from the motherland.
The Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 pageant, which took place at the Harare Hippodrome, proved to be growing in leaps and bounds.
With Gweru’s Lyshanda Moyas claiming the title and Bulawayo’s Onesimo Nkomo trailing closely behind, falling short during the question and answer session, the judges had a tough call to make.
The event was hosted successfully and drew several significant industry players, including top Mzansi actress and businesswoman Connie Ferguson, who doubled as guest judge and guest of honour.
“This is not my first time in Zimbabwe, I am becoming quite a regular here, but to be invited to partake in MUZ2025 is a privilege. I remember I judged in South Africa in the year that Zozibini was crowned Miss Universe. So I am hoping to bring some of that experience to this platform with my fellow judges that by the end of tonight, we will have selected the most suitable girl to represent Zimbabwe on the international stage,” she said.
She fondly reminisced about her days in the modelling industry.
“I remember many years ago in Botswana when I was behind the ears, when I had my opportunity to enter and won. It catapulted me to Johannesburg to pursue the dreams that I ended up pursuing and to become who I am today. So it's a great opportunity that, when used properly, these girls can get to live their dreams and make an impact and change lives. I had the opportunity to meet and have a conversation with them earlier, and I think what stood out to me about all of them was how much heart they had. They made our jobs difficult tonight, it's not an easy feat because they are all very passionate, driven and have heart. They just want to serve. Thank you, everyone, for supporting Miss Universe Zimbabwe and for rooting for these girls,” the actress said.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe Organisation board chairperson Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, who has become a style icon on the internet, paid tribute to some of the notable guests on the night.
- Miss Universe: A night of spectacle and dreams
Keep Reading
“I would like to acknowledge a very special woman who is among us, Dr Amai Grace Ntombizodwa Mugabe. She is always supporting us and she told me that this is very important to her. She is a mother to us, and the least she can do is support the girl child. Then there is Connie Ferguson, another amazing woman. She is the most humble person I have ever worked with. When she arrived, we were not sure how to relate to her, but she made it easy and proved that it doesn’t matter whether you are from Zimbabwe or South Africa, it's all the same dream and supporting the girl child,” she said.
Aside from speeches, there was the high energy and fashion on the well-lit red carpet, which was hosted by actor Calvin Madula and presenter Noma Nyce. Some of the familiar faces spotted included content creator Byron Bibbo, model Tatenda Njanike, modelling instructors Phillip Masuku and the legendary Mavis Klaus. The main stage was hosted by news anchor Arthur Evans alongside Ruvenheko Parirenyatwa and Capitalk FM’s Becky K.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe Lyshanda walked away with a Mercedes Benz and a cash prize of US$10 000, among other prizes. She will represent the country at the international competition to be held in Thailand later this year, while Onesimo Nkomo becomes Miss Cosmo as the first runner-up.
