Story by Colette Musanyera
ZIMBABWE is set to be part of the Miss Universe beauty pageant for the first time in 22 years, with this year’s edition including mothers and married women below the age of 28.
After a two-decade hiatus, one of the most prestigious pageants in the country Miss Universe Zimbabwe returns on the 9th of September, where a representative to the Global Pageant will be selected.
“Zimbabwe last participated in 2001 and after the 22 year sabbatical we have resumed participation. I acquired the license on the 4th of April this year and the return of Zimbabwe provides a platform to network with other nations and it’s the largest pageant in the world where women showcase talents and network.
“Having a Zimbabwean presentation is a milestone since it is in line with our engagement and re-engagement policy. The pageant has also changed since it is now very inclusive of married women and mothers were not allowed to participate in any pageant before. For the first time they are now being allowed to participate which makes the net wider,” explained Miss Universe Zimbabwe National Director, Tendai Hunda.
Local models who have participated at the Miss Universe Global Pageant include Yvette Chakras in 1994, Langa Sibanda in 1996, Corrin Crew who made it into the top 10 at the global pageant in 2000 and Tsungai Muswerakuenda who is the last Zimbabwean model to participate at the pageant in 2001.
This year’s edition of Miss Universe Global Pageant which is expected to be held in December, will be the 72nd and marks the return of countries like Zimbabwe, Egypt, Hungary and Norway, with Pakistan making its debut.
