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Miss Zimbabwe Trust bars Courtney Jongwe from contest
2 hrs ago |
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The Miss Zimbabwe Trust has barred reigning Courtney Jongwe from participating in the 2026 Miss Universe Zimbabwe competition, citing contractual obligations tied to her current title.
According to the Trust, Jongwe's Miss World Zimbabwe contract prohibits her from entering or participating in any rival beauty pageant during her reign without written approval from management.
The organisation said the restriction is outlined under Section 4.2.11 of the agreement, which requires the title holder to prioritise duties related to the Miss World Zimbabwe crown.
In a statement, the Trust said the decision followed an internal review and consultations regarding Jongwe's participation in the Miss Universe Zimbabwe selection process.
"Following internal review and consultation, it was reviewed that Courtney would not proceed in the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 competition due to the contractual obligation contained within the Miss World Zimbabwe title holder agreement," the statement read.
"While Courtney had completed parts of the application and interview process, the final decision was made in alignment with the organisation's contractual framework and governance process."
The Trust stressed that the move was not meant to undermine Jongwe's abilities or ambitions.
"This decision was not intended to undermine her capabilities, achievements or aspirations, but rather to uphold the responsibilities and commitments attached to the Miss Zimbabwe title," it added.
The development comes after Jongwe publicly expressed frustration on social media, accusing Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisers of dishonesty following her exclusion from the competition's top 30 shortlist.
Jongwe had reportedly completed parts of the application and interview stages before being dropped from the selection process.
The dispute has sparked debate online over contractual restrictions placed on beauty queens and whether reigning title holders should be allowed to compete in rival international pageants during their tenure.
According to the Trust, Jongwe's Miss World Zimbabwe contract prohibits her from entering or participating in any rival beauty pageant during her reign without written approval from management.
The organisation said the restriction is outlined under Section 4.2.11 of the agreement, which requires the title holder to prioritise duties related to the Miss World Zimbabwe crown.
In a statement, the Trust said the decision followed an internal review and consultations regarding Jongwe's participation in the Miss Universe Zimbabwe selection process.
"Following internal review and consultation, it was reviewed that Courtney would not proceed in the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 competition due to the contractual obligation contained within the Miss World Zimbabwe title holder agreement," the statement read.
The Trust stressed that the move was not meant to undermine Jongwe's abilities or ambitions.
"This decision was not intended to undermine her capabilities, achievements or aspirations, but rather to uphold the responsibilities and commitments attached to the Miss Zimbabwe title," it added.
The development comes after Jongwe publicly expressed frustration on social media, accusing Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisers of dishonesty following her exclusion from the competition's top 30 shortlist.
Jongwe had reportedly completed parts of the application and interview stages before being dropped from the selection process.
The dispute has sparked debate online over contractual restrictions placed on beauty queens and whether reigning title holders should be allowed to compete in rival international pageants during their tenure.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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