Sakhile Dube, Zimbabwe’s representative at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, is set to return home today after finishing among the top 30 contestants. The event, held last weekend in Mexico, concluded with Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig crowned as the first-ever Miss Universe from Denmark. Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina secured the first runner-up position, while Mexico’s Maria Fernanda Beltran took third place. Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri and Venezuela’s Ileana Marquez rounded out the top five.
Sakhile, a 27-year-old model from Bulawayo, is scheduled to land at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport at 5 pm, where she will address the media. Ahead of her arrival, Sakhile expressed gratitude to her supporters via a heartfelt video message.
“I am incredibly thankful to my family and the people of Zimbabwe for their love and support,” she said. “We made it to the top 30 because of our unity, and I am excited about what the future holds. Representing Zimbabwe on this global stage was an honor, and I hope this paves the way for future representatives to achieve even more.”
Having interacted with 128 contestants during the boot camp, Sakhile highlighted the beauty of diversity and shared her optimism about Zimbabwe’s prospects in international pageantry. She believes her achievements will inspire upcoming models and open doors for the country on the global stage.
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A seasoned pageant competitor, Sakhile has previously won titles such as Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2020, Miss Earth Zimbabwe 2022, Miss Supranational Africa, and Supra Top Model in 2023. Her participation in Miss Universe 2024 further cemented her reputation as a skilled and patriotic representative of Zimbabwe.
Her national costume, “The Soaring Eagle,” designed by Ishmael Tsakatsa of Zarguesia, was a standout feature in the competition, receiving widespread praise for its stunning design and cultural significance. Despite not advancing in the “Voice for Change” segment, Sakhile impressed audiences with her grace and poise.
As she returns, many are eager to hear about her future plans, with speculation that she might focus on grooming young talent or broadening her modeling career. Her professionalism and patriotic spirit have not only elevated her profile but also inspired a new generation of Zimbabwean models.
Supporters, modeling enthusiasts, and friends are expected to gather at the airport to celebrate her achievements and welcome her home as a national icon who represented Zimbabwe with distinction on the world stage.
