HARARE – Bulawayo model Sakhile Dube finally achieved her long held ambition of being the country’s top beauty queen, after she was crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe during a glitzy ceremony held over the weekend at the Harare Hippodrome.
The 27-year-old from Bulawayo, won the hearts of the audiences and judges not only with her stunning beauty but also her campaign for the welfare of orphans in the country.
Dube started the Zibusiso Foundation in 2021, with the aim to empower orphaned and vulnerable children in Zimbabwean communities through mentorship programmes, vocational skills development and sustainable income generating projects.
For Dube, who was orphaned at a tender age herself, the triumph at the pageant represents a victory against the odds and the importance of having an indomitable spirit in life.
For her victory in the pageant, Dube was awarded a car, a Mercedes Benz C200 2020 model courtesy of Style by Minnie, and a cash prize of US$10 000, which she will share with her princesses.
“I am happy to win this pageant. It is a dream come true. I will share the prize money with my princesses, but for my chunk, I am going to use it to fund Zibusiso Foundation, which works in communities to empower and mentor orphaned children through educational support.”
Meanwhile Miss Universe Zimbabwe chairperson Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga urged those that came top at the modelling showcase to go on and represent Zimbabwe with distinction.
“It was a tight competition and I am happy the judges made their decision. I wouldn’t want to be in that seat because every girl here is beautiful. To the winners, I wish you well and please carry the country’s flag high and well,” she said.
Among the judges was former First Lady Grace Mugabe while others included Miss South Africa 2022, Ndavi Nokeri, Hilda Mabu, Kevin “The Wedding Planner,” Taku Mhlanga, and Brita Masalethulini.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe top 3
Miss Universe Zimbabwe- Sakhile Dube (27)
1st Runner Up – Lisa Sibanda (31)
2nd Runner Up- Ruvimbo Njomboro (20)
