Sakhile Dube Shares Valuable Advice for Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 Contestants

With only a month and 10 days remaining before the next Miss Universe Zimbabwe is crowned, reigning queen Sakhile Dube has offered valuable advice to potential contestants. Dube, who represented Zimbabwe at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico last year, shared her insights into what it takes to succeed in the prestigious competition.

Dube, 28, who was part of the selection committee during the auditions held in Bulawayo last Saturday, expressed satisfaction with the quality of participants she has seen so far. Reflecting on her own experience, she emphasized that confidence and a smile are essential for any aspiring contestant.

“If you decide to enter the Miss Universe Zimbabwe competition, the most important thing you can do is to smile,” Dube said in an interview. “Aspiring contestants should embrace their uniqueness and confidence to succeed in this journey.”

She encouraged participants to remain authentic and true to themselves, rather than imitating what they see on television or from other models. “As an outgoing Miss Universe Zimbabwe, my advice to the 2025 contestants is to embrace your uniqueness and confidence,” she continued. “Remember to be authentic and true to yourself throughout the competition.”

Dube also highlighted the importance of representation and inclusivity in beauty pageants. She believes that beauty encompasses not just physical appearance, but also a person’s mind, body, and soul. “Beauty is the combination of the mind, body, soul, the desire to be your best and bring out the best in others,” she explained.

For Dube, one of the simplest yet most powerful tools a model can have is their smile. “It’s simple, smile and win the prize. I’ve seen a lot of contestants who don’t smile. Smiling is an immediate invitation and message of connection,” she said. “Come in with an open heart and an open mind.”

Dube also expressed her satisfaction with the auditions so far, noting the impressive talent among the participants. “The auditions have gone well, and I want to thank every girl who took the time to participate. They are very beautiful, and definitely, Zimbabwe is on the right track when it comes to bringing quality girls to the international pageant,” she said.

Reflecting on her own experience, Dube shared how representing Zimbabwe at Miss Universe in Mexico was a life-changing experience. “It was an amazing opportunity that empowered and changed a young woman’s life,” she said. Dube made it to the top 30 at the competition, with the title going to Denmark’s Victoria Kjar Theilvig, the first Dane ever to win the title.

Looking back, Dube feels the Miss Universe experience was an eye-opener and challenged her in many ways. “It was an eye-opener, and the journey really challenges you. Just do your best, and if you win the title, it means you have the country on your shoulders. The competition is well-organized, and you’ll be guided and fully supported,” she said.

Dube encouraged the contestants to connect with others, stay resilient, and use the platform to uplift and inspire those around them. “Enjoy every moment and have fun,” she advised.

In addition to her Miss Universe experience, Dube has also won Miss Supranational Africa, Miss Supranational Top Model, Miss Earth Zimbabwe 2022, and Miss Tourism Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe pageant organizers have announced that contestants will compete in various segments, including personal statements, interviews, evening gowns, and swimwear. Aspiring models must be aged 18 or older to participate.

The next auditions will be held this Saturday in Harare, with the location to be revealed ahead of the event. The top 30 contestants will be unveiled on April 19, and they will go on to participate in the Miss Universe Zimbabwe Charity event. The top 12 finalists will be announced ahead of the grand finale, which will take place next month at the Hippodrome. The hosts for the event will be announced soon.

As the countdown to the new crown begins, Sakhile Dube’s advice resonates with those aiming to follow in her footsteps and make their mark in the world of beauty and pageantry.