Agape Mandizvidza Crowned Miss Asia Pacific International Zimbabwe 2025, Vows to Revive National Cultural Heritage

Agape Mandizvidza was crowned Miss Asia Pacific International Zimbabwe 2025 at a colourful event held at the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences in Harare on Saturday. The event, themed “Promoting Zimbabwe Heritage and Monuments Sites through Cultural Exchanges,” attracted attention for its focus on cultural preservation and tourism promotion.

Mandizvidza, a professional cosmetologist, expressed her passion for showcasing the Great Zimbabwe Monuments in Masvingo as a way to revive Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage. She described the monument as more than just a historical site, highlighting its glamour and its symbolism of power, unity, and protection.

“The Great Zimbabwe Monument is a tourist attraction that brings people from all over the world for holidays and learning about the diverse culture of Zimbabwe,” Mandizvidza said. “I would love to see a deeper appreciation of Zimbabwean culture, be it music, dance, fashion, housing, languages, and education.”

Mandizvidza emphasized that the Great Zimbabwe is highly symbolic of the country’s past, present, and future. She expressed her desire to share positive stories and create new narratives that celebrate Zimbabwe’s heritage. “I would like to provide full positive communication on this beautiful site and rebuild a new understanding of the peace and tranquility that is typical of the nation of Zimbabwe. Social media offers quick access to information but often lacks the depth needed to appreciate the beauty of Zimbabwe’s heritage and cultural sites,” she added.

Simbarashe Gwawawa, director of the Miss Asia Pacific International Zimbabwe pageant, said the event was organised by the Zimbabwe Youth and Cultural Identity Enhancements Trust in partnership with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe. Gwawawa revealed that all participating models — Mandizvidza, Carren Sakupwanya, Tavonga Chiguvi, Catherine Wayah, Nicole Magutakuona, and Nyasha Tembo — would remain part of the organisation’s model stable.

Each contestant represented a cultural and heritage site of her choice, further promoting the event’s theme. Mandizvidza stood out, winning not only the crown but also the Best National Costume Award and the Best Evening Costume Award. Nyasha Tembo, who was crowned first princess, also walked away with the Miss Congeniality Award, while Catherine Wayah earned the title of second princess along with the Best Swim Wear Award.

The top three winners will represent Zimbabwe at the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant scheduled for September in the Philippines, where they will take on ambassadorial roles and receive financial support.

Nyarai Mundopa, curator at the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, praised the theme’s relevance, noting that it aligns with ongoing efforts to promote local and international cultural tourism. Mundopa commended the models for using their platforms to raise awareness about significant cultural and heritage sites across Zimbabwe.

Tavonga Chiguvi, an agricultural innovator and traditional wine maker, chose Njedza in Hwedza District as her cultural site of focus. Although she did not win an award, Chiguvi said she was proud to represent her community. “The local people of Hwedza want to attract development through tourists who come to see cave paintings, ancient infrastructure, and beautiful wetlands found in the area,” she said.

Catherine Wayah, a trained nurse and journalism student at Midlands State University, committed to promoting the Matopos Cultural Heritage Site, aiming to attract more tourists and highlight the site’s significance.

The 2025 Miss Asia Pacific International Zimbabwe pageant successfully blended beauty with cultural advocacy, setting a strong foundation for heritage-focused tourism campaigns that celebrate Zimbabwe’s unique history and traditions.