Zimbabwe’s pageant enthusiasts and the modeling community are eagerly counting down the hours to discover who will succeed the outgoing Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Brooke Bruk-Jackson. The excitement is palpable as thousands of guests expected at the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2024 event have been consulting their fashion stylists and designers about what to wear.

Social media platforms are buzzing with speculation about who will be crowned the next Miss Universe Zimbabwe. In a survey conducted by My Africa Magazine on one of the modeling platforms, it was indicated that out of the 18 finalists, Sakhile and Pauline Marere are the front-runners.

Three days before the main event, the semifinalists were honored with their sashes in a ceremony held at Chishawasha, where the grand prize—a 2020 Mercedes Benz 200—was unveiled.

Among the attendees were the reigning queen, Brooke Bruk-Jackson, and Colonel M. Chiwenga, the wife of the First Vice President and Chairperson of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe organization, who offered words of encouragement to the contestants.

“I say congratulations to the contestants. You are all winners and beautiful. On Saturday, we will crown one winner who will represent the country. I encourage you to be brave and diligent, and always have your country at heart,” said Colonel Chiwenga.

However, not all the news is positive. One of the contestants, Wendy Ndlovu, announced on her social media platform that she is pulling out of the competition due to unforeseen circumstances, although she did not provide specific details.

As the crowning ceremony approaches, anticipation continues to build, and the nation waits to see who will take on the prestigious title and represent Zimbabwe on the international stage.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am not able to attend the Miss Universe Zimbabwe competition. Though I can’t disclose the reason…” Wendy Ndlovu posted on her Instagram account.