SA TV star Connie Ferguson jets into Zimbabwe

South African television icon and entrepreneur Connie Ferguson landed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Friday afternoon ahead of her role as a guest judge at the much-anticipated Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 finals.

The glamorous event is set to take place this Saturday in Harare, where nine contestants from across the country will compete for the prestigious crown and a chance to represent Zimbabwe at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November.

Addressing members of the press shortly after her arrival, Ferguson expressed her delight at being part of the judging panel, calling the opportunity both humbling and inspiring.

"It is such an honour to be invited to participate in this year's choosing of Miss Universe Zimbabwe," Ferguson said. "It means a lot — an opportunity like this for the young girls who entered this competition is huge."

She encouraged the finalists to make the most of the platform, emphasizing its potential for personal growth and self-discovery.

"It is up to them what they do with the platform, but it is a great opportunity to explore and discover themselves, their strengths, and their weaknesses."

The nine finalists vying for the crown are Onesimo Nkomo, Samkhele Dhlamini, Charmaine Emmanuel, Chiedza Mhosva, Brenda Kadewe, Rumbidzai Muzopa, Annie Grace Mutambu, Talic Magaiza, and Lyshanda Moyo.

The winner of the pageant will not only claim national recognition but will also carry Zimbabwe's hopes onto the international stage at the Miss Universe global finals later this year.

This year's competition is expected to draw significant local and regional attention, celebrating beauty, confidence, and the empowerment of young Zimbabwean women.