Story by Patience Nyagato, ZBC Arts Reporter
THE global pageant season is now underway, with countries moving quickly to secure their positions on the world’s biggest stages.
What was once seen as a build-up period has become an intense, ongoing process, where every announcement signals intent and every selection forms part of a broader strategy.
Across the major international competitions, momentum is clearly building.
For the 75th Miss Universe, set for November in San Juan, Puerto Rico, several countries have already confirmed their representatives, including Angola, Botswana, China, Guadeloupe, Guinea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Niger, Paraguay, Suriname and Venezuela.
These early confirmations highlight how competitive pageantry has become, with nations doubling down on long-term preparation and strategy to stay ahead.
The same pattern is evident across other global platforms.
Miss Earth, Miss International and Miss World have all seen countries either crown their queens or confirm participation well in advance.
It reflects an industry where success is driven not only by performance on stage, but by preparation, visibility and consistency long before the final night.
Against this backdrop, Zimbabwe finds itself at a pivotal moment.
Locally, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisation welcomed a new board this week, with Danya Kabwebwe taking the helm, succeeding Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga, whose tenure elevated the country’s profile on the international stage.
Her leadership included a milestone moment as part of the Miss Universe judging panel, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s growing influence in global pageantry.
The leadership change comes at a time when Zimbabwe is no longer competing from the margins.
In 2025, the country delivered what many have described as its strongest pageantry season in history.
It was a defining year that cemented Zimbabwe’s transition from occasional contender to consistent performer on the global stage.
For the first time, Zimbabwe secured placements at three of the Big Four pageants; Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International.
In Tokyo, Yollanda Chimbarami achieved a historic result at Miss International, finishing as First Runner-Up and earning the Miss International Africa title, marking the country’s highest placement at a major global pageant since independence.
In Bangkok, Lyshanda Moyas advanced to the Top 30 at Miss Universe, while in Hyderabad, Courtney Jongwe reached the Top 40 at Miss World.
These results were not isolated moments, but part of a broader pattern of progress.
Zimbabwe’s success is no accident. Behind the glamour, contestants undergo months of intensive preparation, including training in runway, interviews, public speaking, cultural representation and advocacy. This comprehensive approach ensures they arrive on the international stage poised, polished and purposeful.
What makes 2025 particularly significant is its consistency.
In the past, Zimbabwe’s pageantry highlights were defined by standout individual performances, such as Angeline Musasiwa’s third runner-up finish at Miss World in 1994 and Corinne Crew’s Top 10 placement at Miss Universe.
However, 2025 marked the first time the country achieved notable results across multiple major competitions within the same year.
This collective success has inevitably raised expectations.
With more countries preparing earlier and more strategically, Zimbabwe must now match that pace.
Zimbabwe is yet to hold its national pageants to select representatives for these events, a crucial phase that will determine whether the country can maintain its recent momentum.
The global standard continues to rise, and maintaining momentum will require deliberate effort.
Strengthening grooming systems, investing in early preparation, refining storytelling and building stronger national support structures will be essential if the country is to remain competitive.
Zimbabwe’s growing global recognition also highlights the importance of unity, from industry stakeholders to the public.
With this momentum, the call to action is clear. Zimbabweans must continue to rally behind their queens.
National support, from voting and active participation to public engagement and cultural promotion, can play a pivotal role in sustaining the country’s pageant prominence.
Sustained backing, both on and off the stage, could ultimately help Zimbabwe secure a major international crown.
Zimbabwe has already proven that it belongs among the world’s top pageant nations.
The achievements of 2025 removed any doubt.
Now, with the world watching more closely than ever, the task ahead is clear; to sustain the momentum and ultimately convert it into a global crown.
