Sakhile: Bring Miss Universe crown home

Harare Bureau
Zimbabweans are rallying behind Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Sakhile Dube, with high hopes that she will bring the prestigious Miss Universe crown home.

Dube departed Zimbabwe on Monday for Mexico to join contestants from around the world for bootcamp, which began yesterday. The 73rd Miss Universe pageant will take place at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, where outgoing Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua will crown her successor on November 16.

At the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare on Monday, Dube expressed gratitude for the support she has received from Zimbabweans and urged them to continue voting for her in the lead-up to the finale.

“I’m thrilled to represent Zimbabwe, and I’m asking everyone to vote for me daily on the Miss Universe website, as it could make all the difference,” Dube said.

“The first votes are free, and I can’t wait to showcase what I’ve prepared for the pageant.”

Dube, 28, has kept details of her wardrobe for the competition under wraps, although sources have hinted that her national costume was packed in a large box she brought with her to the airport.

Miss Universe Zimbabwe second runner-up Ruvimbo Njomboro was also present to support Dube at her send-off.

Tendai Hunda, national director for Miss Universe Zimbabwe, expressed optimism about Dube’s chances, describing the preparations as the most thorough the organisation has ever had.

“We’ve had vigorous preparations because we believe this is Zimbabwe’s closest shot at the crown, especially considering Sakhile’s background and experience,” said Hunda.

“She’s well-groomed, has had training in France and completed Q&A sessions with a renowned lifestyle and speech coach. Her articulation and presentation skills are a force to reckon with.”

Hunda also thanked the designers who have contributed to Dube’s wardrobe, which she believes will make a lasting impression on the Miss Universe stage.

“Let’s keep voting for her to ensure she makes it into the top 30, top 12, or even top three,” Hunda added.

This year’s pageant will feature a record 30 semi-finalists, with preliminary rounds including swimsuit and evening gown segments, as well as interviews. The top 12 will advance and from there, five will proceed to the question-and-answer round, culminating in the announcement of the winner and her four runners-up. Additionally, four continental queens will be recognised.

A distinguished selection committee, including Latin musician Emilio Estefan, YouTube personality Lele Pons, sculptor Romero Britto, fashion designer and Miss Universe 1977 first runner-up Eva Cavalli, journalist and Miss Universe 1978 Margaret Gardiner and Telemundo news reporter Jessica Carrillo, will crown this year’s Miss Universe.

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