The Siyekhaya Estate came alive with glitz and excitement on Saturday night as the Miss World Zimbabwe 2024 pageant took center stage, showcasing the country’s beauty, talent, and cultural pride. The prestigious event drew an audience of dignitaries, fashion lovers, and arts enthusiasts, all eager to witness the coronation of Zimbabwe’s newest queen.
Courtney Jongwe, a 23-year-old Chemical and Processing Engineering student at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, claimed the crown. Her poise, intelligence, and charm won over both the judges and the audience. During the question and answer session, she highlighted her dedication to youth empowerment and sustainable development. Jongwe takes over from Shekinah Nokutenda Marumbwa, whose reign was marked by advocacy for food security and nutrition.
The pageant featured twelve contestants, each dazzling in their bespoke attire designed. A standout segment of the night was the swimwear round, where the remaining seven finalists captivated the crowd.
After being crowned, Courtney expressed her gratitude and aspirations, saying, “This is a dream come true. I am deeply honored to represent Zimbabwe on the global stage at Miss World. My goal is to use this platform to shine a light on issues close to my heart.”
Runners-up Yollanda Chimbarami and Life Matunzeni also delivered outstanding performances, making the competition fiercely close and the judges’ decision particularly difficult. Both contestants earned significant admiration and support from the cheering crowd.
The evening’s entertainment featured exceptional performances by local stars, including spoken word artist Rutendo Denise Mutsamwira and the energetic Tamy Moyo, who kept the audience engaged throughout the event. The panel of judges, comprising notable figures from the fashion, media, and entertainment industries, ensured a balanced assessment of the contestants.
Event organizers praised the contestants for their dedication, underscoring the importance of pageantry as a platform for advocacy and national pride. Jongwe will now focus on preparing to represent Zimbabwe at the international Miss World competition later this year, with hopes of securing the prestigious global title.
Adding to the evening’s significance was the attendance of Shirley Nyanyiwa, Zimbabwe’s first black Miss Zimbabwe, crowned in 1980; Miss Ireland Jasmine Gerhardt, who is a law student; and Sakhile Dune, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe queen, who recently made it to the top thirty of Miss Universe in Mexico.
