Chengeto Kanyai Crowned Miss Ebony Zimbabwe 2025

Reigning Miss University of Zimbabwe (UZ), Chengeto Kanyai, was crowned Miss Ebony Zimbabwe 2025. She triumphed over Bulawayo’s Samukele Dlamini, who secured the 1st Princess title, and Masvingo’s Lerato Masocha, who was named 2nd Princess.

The inaugural pageant, held in Harare under the theme Empowering Through Diversity, adopted a virtual format, mirroring the approach taken by Miss World during the Covid-19 era. Organisers attributed this change to “unforeseen circumstances.” Initially scheduled to take place at Robbi Mupawose Hall at the Harare Agricultural Show Ground, the event was later relocated to Mudziyashe.

As the newly crowned Miss Ebony Zimbabwe, Kanyai, a Business Management (Systems Design and Applications) student, will represent Zimbabwe on a Pan-African stage in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her role will involve advocating for decolonised beauty standards and women’s empowerment across the continent.

In a post-pageant interview, Kanyai conveyed her excitement about winning, particularly as this was only her second experience in a pageant.

She stated that her modelling journey began last year, with Miss UZ serving as her first competition. She expressed gratitude to the organisers for providing her with the opportunity and looked forward to representing Zimbabwe in South Africa.

Kanyai also reflected on her initial hesitation about joining the pageantry world. She acknowledged that while she had always been passionate about modelling, parental concerns had previously prevented her from pursuing it. However, upon enrolling at university, she decided to take the chance. She credited her family for their unwavering support and was pleased with her decision to follow her passion.

Meanwhile, 1st Princess Samukele Dlamini made an impressive debut in her first-ever pageant, earning both her title and the People’s Choice Award.

Dlamini shared that although she had aspired to win the crown, she was content with the outcome and valued the lessons gained from the experience. She also mentioned that the pageant’s boot camp reignited her passion for entrepreneurship, reinforcing her belief that she was on the right path.

Looking ahead, Dlamini indicated plans to refine her modelling skills before deciding on her next competition. She expressed interest in competing in Miss Earth and Miss Environment.

While Miss Ebony Zimbabwe 2025 crowned its queen, the Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe pageant was also underway. Hosted at De Lux Villa and Conference Centre in Bulawayo, the competition narrowed its contestants to a final group of 15. These finalists are set to compete for the Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe title in Harare this July.