The anticipation surrounding the crowning of Miss Universe Zimbabwe has ignited a fervent discussion within the global modeling industry. But beyond the question of who will be crowned lies a deeper inquiry: who will emerge as the standout queen of our time?

The organizers of Miss Zimbabwe 2024 conducted auditions nationwide, including among Zimbabweans residing abroad who aspire to wear the Miss Universe Zimbabwe crown. From thousands of hopefuls, only thirty were selected to compete for the coveted semifinalist positions. Notably, among them are Zimbabwean queens who have previously clinched titles in international pageants such as Miss Environment Zimbabwe and Miss Supranational Zimbabwe.

This selection has thrust Zimbabwe into the international spotlight, with the world eagerly awaiting the coronation of its next queen. Social media erupted with excitement when the names of the thirty shortlisted candidates were announced. The list includes Sakhile Dube, Pauline Marere, Letwin Chinomona, Stacey Hall, Adina Pullen, Alisa Adams, Amanda Peresu, Anaam Suleman, Chipo Ben, Dominique Middlemas, Lerato Masocha, Mirirai Chinyanganya, Ropafadzo Shoko, Shelly Bent, Shelly Uzoagba, Ruvimbo Njomboro, Monalisa Kandava, Hannah Brits, Jessie Marissa, Lisa Sibanda, Munashe Kamchilala, Tanyaradzwa Maparutsa, Wendy Ndlovu, Samantha Chikwanda, Seraphim Gumbura, Nozinhle Gumende, Lompopoma Khumalo, Mellisa Vanhami, Julie Kennedy, and Leanet Mupungu.

In an exclusive interview with Zimbabwe’s leading publication, The Herald, Tendai Hunda, the national director of Miss Universe Zimbabwe, praised all the models for their potential to become the next Miss Universe Zimbabwe. She revealed that while the final number of contestants for the ramp walk is yet to be decided—whether twelve or fifteen—twenty qualified candidates from the auditions will be announced to the public next week.

“We are still deliberating on whether to have 12 or 15 girls for the ramp walk, but the 20 who qualified during auditions will be revealed to the public next week,” said Tendai Hunda

She also disclosed to the publication that the finals are scheduled for May 18th at Harare’s Hippodrome in Braeside.

Currently reigning as Miss Universe Zimbabwe is Queen Brooke Bruk Jackson, who represented Zimbabwe at the 72nd edition of Miss Universe held in El Salvador last year.