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Showbiz Reporter

Zimbabwe’s pride was on full display yesterday as Miss Universe contestant Sakhile Zie Dube stunned the world with a striking costume designed by Jasper Mandizera of Ivhu Tribe.

The design, shared widely on social media, has resonated deeply with many, and Facebook user Tendai Dhure encapsulated the national pride it sparked.

“The costume celebrates key symbols of Zimbabwe’s heritage. First, it features the majestic bateleur eagle, known as ‘chapungu’. This bird is revered in Shona culture as a sacred figure, believed to bring protection and blessings, and serve as a messenger of the gods.

“Another powerful element in Dube’s costume is the pyramid, symbolising the ancient Great Zimbabwe ruins, or *l’dzimba remabwe’, which translates to “house of stone.” This monumental structure is a marvel of pre-colonial African architecture, reflecting the ingenuity of Zimbabwe’s ancestors.

“Finally, the Ndoro shells draped on her crown complete the ensemble. These conus shells, historically used as currency, symbolise trade, wealth, and status in ancient Zimbabwe. Each element of this costume pays homage to the country’s rich past, and Dube’s portrayal evokes a powerful sense of pride and cultural identity,” wrote Dhure.

Sakhile Zie Dube’s embodiment of these symbols has struck a chord across Zimbabwe and beyond, carrying forward the story of Zimbabwe’s heritage with elegance and strength