Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 Competition Heats Up as Pageant Veterans Return for the Crown
The race for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 crown is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent years as experienced models and former titleholders return to the stage with strong pageant backgrounds. This year’s competition has attracted a mix of seasoned queens and new faces, creating a high pressure environment where experience may play a major role in determining the winner. Many of the contestants already have national and international pageant exposure, which raises the overall standard of the contest. The return of well known names has also sparked debate about whether experience gives certain contestants an advantage over first time participants. With the finals approaching, anticipation continues to build across Zimbabwe’s modelling and entertainment community.
Several of the contestants in this year’s Miss Universe Zimbabwe competition are not new to the pageant world, having previously competed at both local and international levels. Among them is Malaika Mushandu, who gained national recognition after winning the Miss Zimbabwe title in 2011 as one of the youngest winners in the pageant’s history. Another strong competitor is Ruvimbo Njomboro, who has consistently performed well in recent competitions, including a Top 30 placement last year and a runner up finish in 2024 before representing Zimbabwe at Miss Cosmo 2024. These repeated appearances highlight how experienced contestants continue to refine their performance and increase their chances of eventually securing a major crown. Their presence in the current competition raises expectations and increases pressure on all participants.
The judging and leadership structure around the pageant also includes experienced figures from the modelling industry. Roseanna Hall, who holds the Miss Zimbabwe Diaspora 2017 title, has also been involved in the Miss Universe Zimbabwe process as a judge while continuing her connection to the pageant world. Her dual experience as a former contestant and industry evaluator brings additional credibility to the judging process. Another standout contestant is Shelly Bent, who made history by reaching the Top 12 at the Universal Woman pageant in India, becoming the only African contestant to achieve that placement. Such international exposure adds weight to her profile and positions her as one of the strongest contenders in the competition.
The competition also features Kuzivakwashe Mujakachi, a well known figure in the modelling and entertainment space who has built a career across multiple platforms, including television appearances on Big Brother Canada 11 and The Traitors Canada. She first gained recognition after placing as Miss World Zimbabwe 2018 Second Princess and winning the People’s Choice award, making her one of the most experienced contestants in this year’s lineup. Over the years, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe title has been claimed by queens such as Sakhile Dube, Brooke Bruk-Jackson and Lyshanda Moyas, showing the growing competitiveness and evolving standards of the pageant. This history adds prestige to the current competition and increases pressure on contestants aiming to join the list of national winners.
The full list of finalists includes a wide pool of talent such as Cheryl Sambadzai, Vimbainashe Chiriseri, Nomaqhikiza Mokoni, Anna Gunguwo, Rachel Ndlovu, Sharai Tandare, Joylene Madombwe, Tatenda Madzinga, Paris Huni, Brunnette Makanyiso, Kudzaishe Mwamuka, Virginia Tlou Nyambe, Adele Chinamasa, Chanice Noble, Charmaine Mabvundwe, Robin Sitsha, Nicole Nyawera, Moreblessing Ndlovu, Mudiwa Layi, Angeline Hofah, Shamiso Masarura, Victoria Ncube and Sindiso Ndlovu. This diverse group represents different modelling backgrounds and personal experiences, all competing for a place in the Top 12. The inclusion of both experienced and emerging contestants ensures a balanced competition that tests consistency, presentation and public appeal. As the pageant continues, contestants will now rely heavily on public voting to secure advancement. Audience support has become a key factor, making social media engagement and public visibility more important than ever.
After the voting stage, successful contestants will proceed to Boot Camp where they will undergo intensive preparation before the grand finale. The final event is scheduled for June 6 at the Harare Hippodrome, where Zimbabwe’s next Miss Universe representative will be crowned. The Boot Camp phase is expected to focus on grooming, runway training, communication skills and overall stage presence. This stage often plays a decisive role in separating finalists who have strong potential from those who can handle the pressure of international competition. With the growing calibre of contestants this year, expectations are high that Zimbabwe could produce a representative capable of performing strongly on the global Miss Universe stage.
The 2025 edition of Miss Universe Zimbabwe reflects a clear rise in competition standards driven by returning queens, international exposure and stronger preparation among contestants. The presence of experienced models has raised the overall quality of the pageant and increased public interest in the outcome. As the competition moves closer to its final stages, attention will focus on how contestants perform under pressure and how effectively they connect with voters and judges. The blend of experience and new talent ensures that this year’s crown will not be easily won. Zimbabwe’s pageant industry continues to grow, and the 2025 Miss Universe Zimbabwe competition stands as one of its most competitive editions yet.
