Zimbabwe’s Courtney Tadiwanashe Jongwe has departed for Telangana, India, to represent the nation at the 72nd Miss World International Competition, scheduled to run from May 7 to 31, 2025. Jongwe, 23, is set to carry the flag and aspirations of Zimbabwe on one of the world’s most prominent beauty and advocacy stages.
A final-year Chemical and Processing Engineering student at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, Jongwe is not only competing for the crown but also championing her mental health advocacy initiative, The Sanctuary Project, as part of the pageant’s “Beauty with a Purpose” campaign. The initiative aims to expand mental health services and promote open dialogue in Zimbabwean communities.
Speaking to reporters at Harare International Airport before her departure on Monday, Jongwe expressed pride in representing her country.
“It is an incredible honor and deeply humbling to represent Zimbabwe on such a prestigious platform. I carry my nation’s spirit, stories, and hopes with immense pride,” she said.
Jongwe’s departure was marked by a show of national support, with former Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation and current International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry present to personally send her off. Coventry described Jongwe’s participation as symbolic of the strength and promise of Zimbabwean youth on global platforms.
“Courtney is a young lady who truly represents the essence of what it means to be Zimbabwean,” said Patience Lusengo, Director of Miss World Zimbabwe. “She is strong, resilient, and bright—just like our nation.”
Jongwe previously represented Zimbabwe at Miss Earth 2023 in Vietnam, gaining international recognition for her environmental advocacy and public speaking skills. Now, she steps onto the Miss World stage not only as a beauty queen but as an ambassador of purpose-driven leadership.
“My message to the world is that Zimbabwe is full of promise, and our voices—especially those of young women—deserve to be heard,” Jongwe said.
Courtney Tadiwanashe Jongwe
The Miss World competition, established in 1951, is one of the longest-running and most influential international beauty pageants. Jongwe joins a legacy of Zimbabwean women who have taken the global stage to promote national pride, social advocacy, and cultural identity.
“Knowing that I carry the hopes of a nation inspires me to walk with confidence and grace,” Jongwe said. “Zimbabweans have been amazing—their encouragement fuels my drive to shine not for myself, but for all of us.”
The Miss World Zimbabwe team encourages citizens at home and abroad to support Jongwe’s journey, viewing it as a reflection of the country’s resilience and rising global presence.
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