The clock ticks down with just 40 days left before someone new takes the Miss Universe Zimbabwe crown. Current queen, Sakhile Dube, recently shared wisdom for women thinking about joining the contest. She watched hopefuls perform last Saturday when she helped judge tryouts in Bulawayo, saying she likes what she sees from candidates.
This tall 28-year-old beauty who won huge applause at last year's final show tells possible contestants they must smile more than anything else. She believes every woman should show her special qualities with total confidence when stepping onto the pageant stage. Dube strongly encourages models to stay natural rather than copy what they watch on screens or what previous winners did before them.
Dube speaks clearly as someone about to pass her title forward: "Bring your real self completely through the entire competition. The best part about representing Zimbabwe around the world comes from how we welcome all kinds of beauty. True beauty mixes your mind, body, spirit, plus wanting to reach your highest point plus helping others shine bright," she explains.
Her advice is simple yet powerful: Your hair makes one crown, but your smile creates another. "Just smile, and you might win everything. Many girls forget this basic step. Your smile opens doors right away and helps people feel close to you. Come ready with both your heart and mind completely open," Dube says with wisdom from experience.
She feels happy about how many beautiful women showed up for early tryouts. "Thank you to every single girl who made time to attend these early events. They look absolutely stunning. Zimbabwe definitely moves in the right direction by sending truly amazing women to compete internationally," she adds with pride about her country's talent.
Last year, Dube reached the top 30 contestants when she traveled to Mexico. Denmark's Victoria Kjar Theilvig ultimately won that competition, becoming the first Danish woman ever to be crowned Miss Universe. Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina earned second place, with Mexico's Maria Fernanda Beltran taking third place.
Dube describes her pageant journey as something that changed her completely. "The experience really tests everything about you. Just try your hardest. Winning means you carry your entire nation on your shoulders, but you'll receive full support and guidance throughout," she promises future contestants. "Make friends with others, stay strong when things become difficult, and use this chance to help inspire people around you. Have fun during every moment," she recommends.
Her impressive history includes winning Miss Supranational Africa, Supranational Top Model, Miss Earth Zimbabwe back in 2022, and Miss Tourism Zimbabwe. Pageant officials say contestants must prepare for several challenges, including personal statements, interviews, an evening dress competition, and a swimwear presentation. All hopeful models must be at least 18 years old.
The next chance for tryouts happens this coming Saturday somewhere in Harare, with the exact location announced right before the event. Officials plan to name the top 30 finalists by April 19, who then participate in a special charity event. Later, they will select just 12 women who will advance to the final crown ceremony happening next month.
The grand celebration returns to Hippodrome, and event hosts are expected to be named soon. Everyone eagerly awaits the glamorous night when Zimbabwe selects its next international beauty ambassador.
This tall 28-year-old beauty who won huge applause at last year's final show tells possible contestants they must smile more than anything else. She believes every woman should show her special qualities with total confidence when stepping onto the pageant stage. Dube strongly encourages models to stay natural rather than copy what they watch on screens or what previous winners did before them.
Dube speaks clearly as someone about to pass her title forward: "Bring your real self completely through the entire competition. The best part about representing Zimbabwe around the world comes from how we welcome all kinds of beauty. True beauty mixes your mind, body, spirit, plus wanting to reach your highest point plus helping others shine bright," she explains.
Her advice is simple yet powerful: Your hair makes one crown, but your smile creates another. "Just smile, and you might win everything. Many girls forget this basic step. Your smile opens doors right away and helps people feel close to you. Come ready with both your heart and mind completely open," Dube says with wisdom from experience.
She feels happy about how many beautiful women showed up for early tryouts. "Thank you to every single girl who made time to attend these early events. They look absolutely stunning. Zimbabwe definitely moves in the right direction by sending truly amazing women to compete internationally," she adds with pride about her country's talent.
Last year, Dube reached the top 30 contestants when she traveled to Mexico. Denmark's Victoria Kjar Theilvig ultimately won that competition, becoming the first Danish woman ever to be crowned Miss Universe. Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina earned second place, with Mexico's Maria Fernanda Beltran taking third place.
Dube describes her pageant journey as something that changed her completely. "The experience really tests everything about you. Just try your hardest. Winning means you carry your entire nation on your shoulders, but you'll receive full support and guidance throughout," she promises future contestants. "Make friends with others, stay strong when things become difficult, and use this chance to help inspire people around you. Have fun during every moment," she recommends.
Her impressive history includes winning Miss Supranational Africa, Supranational Top Model, Miss Earth Zimbabwe back in 2022, and Miss Tourism Zimbabwe. Pageant officials say contestants must prepare for several challenges, including personal statements, interviews, an evening dress competition, and a swimwear presentation. All hopeful models must be at least 18 years old.
The next chance for tryouts happens this coming Saturday somewhere in Harare, with the exact location announced right before the event. Officials plan to name the top 30 finalists by April 19, who then participate in a special charity event. Later, they will select just 12 women who will advance to the final crown ceremony happening next month.
The grand celebration returns to Hippodrome, and event hosts are expected to be named soon. Everyone eagerly awaits the glamorous night when Zimbabwe selects its next international beauty ambassador.
