ZOZI ARRIVES, SAYS AFRICA IS WATCHING AS ZIM HOLDS ITS BIGGEST BEAUTY PAGEANT

MISS Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi says Africa will be closely following the Miss Universe 2026 beauty pageant in Harare tomorrow. She says it’s now long overdue for the continent to produce another global beauty queen and believes Zimbabwe could be the country to make history. The South African beauty icon and television personality touched down in Harare yesterday ahead of the highly Miss Universe Zimbabwe grand finale set for tomorrow at the Hippodrome.

Tunzi is expected to share the stage with Tich Mataz as masters of ceremony at the grand finale. For Tunzi, who became a global sensation after winning the Miss Universe crown in 2019, the visit is more than just another pageant appearance. It marks her first trip to Zimbabwe, a country she says she is excited to experience while supporting young women chasing their dreams.

“I’m incredibly excited. This is my first time in Zimbabwe, so to be able to come here in such a beautiful way and support women, especially women who are on a mission to change the world, transform their lives and uplift our beautiful continent, is truly special,” she said. Tunzi’s visit comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s pageantry industry is enjoying renewed momentum.

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This year’s Miss Universe Zimbabwe finale is expected to be one of the biggest ever, with seven queens set to be crowned on one stage in a ground-breaking move. But it was her remarks about Africa’s chances on the global stage that left beauty fans buzzing. The former Miss Universe said the continent has waited long enough to reclaim the crown and believes the next winner could emerge from Southern Africa.

“We haven’t had a Miss Universe from Africa in a while since I was crowned, and I think it’s time,” she said. “It would be such a brilliant thing if Zimbabwe were to bring that crown home because it would be your first Miss Universe title ever. I think that would be incredible.” Her comments are likely to inspire the 18 finalists preparing for what could be the most important night of their lives.

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