The Harare Hippodrome was the place to be last night, as Zimbabwe made history by crowning a new group of beauty queens to represent the country on the world stage. Roseanna Hall, a 34-year-old psychology graduate from Shurugwi, was named Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026. She was chosen after competing against 17 other talented finalists and will now carry the hopes of our nation at the international pageant. She is joined by several other newly crowned queens: Virginia Tlou Nyambe (Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe), Jemima Mandemwa (Top Model), Ruvimbo Njomboro (Miss International Zimbabwe), Nicole Nyawera (Miss Supranational Zimbabwe), Malaika Mushandu (Miss Cosmo Zimbabwe), and Brunnette Makanyiso (Miss World Zimbabwe).
We are particularly proud to celebrate the success of Hwange’s very own, Ruvimbo Njomboro, who was crowned Miss International Zimbabwe. Ruvimbo has become a beacon of inspiration, proving that a girl from the mining town of Hwange can reach for and attain the stars. Her journey to this platform has been fueled by a commitment to youth empowerment and the belief that dreams are valid regardless of where one starts. Watching her accept her crown was a testament to the resilience and talent that continues to emerge from our communities, and we know she will represent both Zimbabwe and her hometown with grace and distinction on the global stage.
The event, which was graced by former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, was underscored by a powerful call for African unity in the world of pageantry. Reflecting on the importance of the moment, Miss Universe Botswana 2026, Dabilo Debbie Moses, emphasized the need for regional solidarity: “I believe the reason we are here as Botswana is to support our African sisters as we try to break the narrative that Africa is not deserving… It is important for us to attend each other’s finals and show the world that we are united.”
This sentiment was echoed by Zozibini Tunzi, who offered an inspiring vision for the future of African delegates. Having made history herself when she won the Miss Universe title in 2019, Tunzi shared her hope for the continent, “It would be such a beautiful thing to have one from Zimbabwe because that would be the first one ever. We haven’t had a Miss Universe from Africa in a little while now, since I was the last one. I think it’s time.”
