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Harare Bureau

With just two days remaining before the nation crowns its new Miss Universe Zimbabwe queen, the excitement is palpable as 18 stunning contestants, undergoing rigorous training at a clandestine bootcamp, were officially sashed on Tuesday. 

The ceremony took place amidst the scenic backdrop of Chishawasha Hills, Harare, setting the stage for the upcoming pageant.

The highly anticipated event is scheduled for this Saturday at the iconic Harare Hippodrome, where the reigning queen, Brooke Bruk, will gracefully pass on her crown to her deserving successor.

This year’s edition of the glamorous spectacle will dazzle under the theme “Met Gala.” 

Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga, chairperson for Miss Universe Zimbabwe, urged the participants to embody the essence of Zimbabwe with pride and excellence.

“I say congratulations to the contestants. You are all winners and beautiful. On Saturday, we will crown one winner who will represent the country and I encourage you to be brave, diligent and always have your country at heart,” she said.

“You should have good behaviour. We are very proud of you all, don’t give up on your dreams; show who you are. We journey together and we will learn from each other.”

Miss Universe 2024 finalists with businesswoman Zodwa Mnkandla, Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga and Tendai Hunda

National pageant director, Tendai Hunda assured that all systems are in place for the grand event. Highlighting the scale of this year’s pageant, she emphasised that the winner will be rewarded with a brand new car, making it the most enticing competition yet.

“We have unveiled the grand prize for the winner, which is a Mercedes Benz C200, 2020 model, apart from consolation prizes,” she said.

The car was donated by Style by Minnie.

“We have 18 girls in the bootcamp and voting for a place in top eight will continue up until the day of the pageant, during the evening gown segment. The girl with the highest votes will land a place in the top eight,” Hunda expressed. 

The grand prize for the winner

“The level of competition this year is exceptionally high. The calibre of contestants we’ve received is truly remarkable, resulting in intense competition. At the boot camp, they’re undergoing comprehensive training, grooming and deportment and thus far, we’ve encountered no challenges with the contestants.”

She said the winner will represent Zimbabwe at this year’s Miss Universe pageant taking place in Mexico.

Hunda extended her gratitude to the corporate sponsors and stakeholders who have generously supported the event. 

“We are immensely grateful to our partners, including the talented designers collaborating with us. The combination of our stunning contestants and the spectacular dresses they adorn promises an unforgettable spectacle,” she said.

Two media personalities, MisRed and Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa, are set to host the event, with top musicians billed to perform. 

These include Enzo Ishall, Tammy Moyo and ShaSha.