Sakhile Dube set to shine on global stage, eyes Miss Universe crown

The anticipation is palpable as Zimbabwe and the world gear up for the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico. With only five days remaining, all eyes are on Sakhile Dube, Zimbabwe's representative, who aims to make history at the glittering event set to take place on November 16 at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City. Central Africa and Zimbabwean fans will catch the live broadcast on November 17 at 4 a.m. as Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios crowns her successor.

Television personality Mario Lopez will host the event, alongside a star-studded commentary panel featuring Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza, Puerto Rican TV personality Carlos Adyan, and Brazilian model Julia Gama. The iconic Shakira and hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas will add to the excitement, with South African Miss Universe 1978 Margaret Gardiner joining the selection committee.

In the lead-up to the finale, 130 contestants, including Zimbabwe's own Sakhile Dube, have been training intensively at boot camp, with a focus on personal statements, interviews, and the iconic evening gown and swimwear rounds. The competition will intensify as the candidates are narrowed down from 30 to 12, and finally to five, who will then face the final question-and-answer segment.

Sakhile, a fan favorite, has captured global attention with her elegance, confidence, and engaging style. From day one, she has impressed fans and judges alike, earning accolades as "Africa's front-runner" on international modeling platforms. Trained in Italy for her walk and with speech therapy from renowned experts back home, the 28-year-old model is determined to make her mark on the Miss Universe stage.

Her international modeling journey is equally impressive, having won Miss Supranational Africa in 2023 and securing titles as Miss Earth Zimbabwe (2022) and Miss Tourism Zimbabwe. Her polished posture, striking hairstyles, and collaboration with top designers have made her a standout, bolstering her position as one of the top contenders.

Miss Universe Zimbabwe National Director, Tendai Hunda, expressed confidence in Sakhile's chances. "We are very confident in Sakhile, and we have prepared her very well," Hunda said. "This time, Zimbabwe will be on the global map, and we continue to encourage fans to keep voting."

In addition to the Miss Universe crown, Sakhile will vie for the "Miss Universe Africa" title, competing with representatives from countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. The race is fierce, and her national costume, designed by renowned Mandizera, is expected to leave a lasting impression.

With Miss Universe Zimbabwe officials now en route to Mexico to support Sakhile, the nation eagerly awaits the results. The countdown has begun, and Zimbabweans are rallying behind Sakhile, hopeful that she will bring the Miss Universe crown home and elevate the country's presence in global pageantry.