COURTNEY Jongwe from Mutare is the winner of the prestigious Miss World Zimbabwe 2024 pageant that concluded spectacularly at the weekend at the elegant Siyekhaya Estate in Borrowdale, Harare.
Contestants from across the country’s 10 provinces came together as ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s diversity and values, advocating for causes such as mental health awareness, combating climate change and promoting children’s health and education.
Hosted by multi-award-winning media personality and entrepreneur Kim Jayde, the event was a dazzling celebration of Zimbabwean talent, culture and resilience, bringing together luminaries from the cultural, business and non-governmental organisation sectors.
Following an intense evening of competition and performances by Tammy Moyo and spoken word poet Rutendo Mutsamwira, the 23-year-old emerged victorious, edging out 11 other remarkable contestants to claim the coveted crown.
She took home a cash prize. A brand new car will be delivered to her in due course.
Jongwe will represent Zimbabwe at the Miss World pageant next year on a date to be announced.
Joining her in the top three were Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe (2022) Yollanda Chimbarami and the current Miss Uhuru, Life Matunzeni, who showcased exceptional poise and talent.
“It was one of those ‘pinch-me’ type of moments, so emotion-packed and surreal,” Jongwe told NewsDay Life & Style.
“I enjoyed the whole experience; it was an incredible moment that I will always cherish. My promise to Zimbabwe is that I will keep trying my best and work as hard as I possibly can. Whoever is willing to support to make this Zimbabwean dream a reality is more than welcome.”
Miss Zimbabwe 2022 Charlotte Muziri, Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2023 runner-up Amanda Mpofu and Miss Environment 2023 Pauline Marere are some of the renowned models who participated.
In 2023, Jongwe represented Zimbabwe at the 23rd edition of the Miss Earth pageant hosted in Vietnam and in October this year, together with Matunzeni, showcased their modelling talents at a fashion-themed music event hosted by Sofar Harare in partnership with the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe.
Her new title Miss World Zimbabwe 2024 marks another milestone in her career as she prepares to showcase Zimbabwe’s beauty and spirit on the global stage at the Miss World 2025 competition.
Director and licence holder of Miss World Zimbabwe, Patience Lusengo, acknowledged the invaluable support of the event’s sponsors and extended an invitation to partners for next year’s edition, which promises to be even grander.
“My dream has always been to bring my job home,” she said.
“This event is not just about beauty; it’s about celebrating the values and aspirations of our nation.”
Businesswoman Zodwa Mkhandla who, represented Miss Universe Zimbabwe board chairperson Miniyothabo Chiwenga, emphasised the transformative power of pageants in placing Zimbabwe on the global map.
“Pageants like Miss World Zimbabwe showcase our country’s talent, diversity and resilience, giving us a platform to tell our story to the world,” she said.
Miss World Zimbabwe is a premier national beauty pageant dedicated to celebrating the elegance, intelligence and cultural diversity of Zimbabwean women and is the official gateway to the global Miss World competition.