Miss Universe Zimbabwe rallies nation to vote ahead of Miss Universe 2024
Reigning Miss Universe Zimbabwe Sakhile Dube has called on the nation to rally behind her by voting daily as she prepares to represent Zimbabwe at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico on November 16.
Dube, who left for Mexico on Monday, will join contestants worldwide for a rigorous boot camp today in Mexico City, marking the start of her journey to potentially secure the prestigious title.
Speaking before her departure at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the 28-year-old expressed her excitement and determination to bring the crown home.
“The journey has started, and I will be in Mexico on Wednesday for boot camp,” she said.
“I am encouraging every Zimbabwean to vote for me daily on the Miss Universe website as that counts. The first votes are free. I promise to deliver my best and I cannot wait to show you what I have prepared at the pageant.”
Accompanied by Miss Universe Zimbabwe’s second runner-up, Ruvimbo Njomboro, Dube departed with confidence and optimism.
She remained tight-lipped about her wardrobe choices, though sources indicated that her national costume, brought in a large wrapped box by Njomboro, was part of the intricate preparations.
The national director for Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Tendai Hunda, expressed hope and confidence in Dube’s abilities, underscoring the intensive preparations that the beauty queen has undergone in the lead-up to the international competition.
“We have had the most successful preparations for Dube. It has been vigorous and thorough,” Hunda stated.
“Dube is well-trained and groomed. In terms of her walk, she was coached in France, and she underwent question and answer therapy with reputable lifestyle and speech coaches. She is now a force to reckon with when it comes to presentation.”
Hunda also addressed recent media reports alleging that Dube was denied a visa for the competition, refuting the claims as “baseless.”
She clarified that Dube, currently studying in Italy, holds a Schengen visa, which allows entry into Mexico without requiring a separate U.S. visa.
“We chose to focus on our preparations and urge the media to verify facts before publishing, as inaccurate reports can harm the brand unnecessarily,” she said.
For the first time in Miss Universe history, 30 semi-finalists will be selected through a preliminary competition involving swimsuit and evening gown segments, along with closed-door interviews.
Voting is an essential part of the selection process and Zimbabweans are encouraged to participate daily to boost Dube’s chances of progressing to the final rounds.
