THE Miss Universe Zimbabwe grand finale held at the Harare Hippodrome on Saturday saw Sakhile Zibusiso Dube crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2024, succeeding Brooke Bruk Jackson, with Lisa Sibanda emerging the First princess and Ruvimbo Njomboro walking away with the Second princess title.
The competition had 17 finalists vying for the crown.
In her campaign for the title Dube advocated for the promotion of equal education opportunities for orphans and vulnerable children, having been orphaned herself at a tender age.
The 27-year-old model noted in her presentation a few weeks ago that growing up as an orphan prompted her to start The Zibusiso Foundation in 2021, with the aim to empower orphaned and vulnerable children in Zimbabwean communities through mentorship programmes, vocational skills development and sustainable income generating projects.
She also mentioned her organisation had been involved in different initiatives by partnering other organisations in donating food stuffs, stationery and clothes to children's homes, while a number of students selected upon merit have received assistance in paying their tuition fees until completion of their primary education.
Dube represented the country last year in Poland at the Miss Supranational where she won two titles; Miss Supranational Africa and Supra Top Model crowns.
Models who vied for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe title included Stacy Hall, Amanda Peresu, Pauline Marere, Letwin Chinomona, Victoria Shoko, Melissa Vanham, Lompopoma Khumalo, Hannah Brits, Shelly Bent, Nozihle Gumede, Shelly Uzoagba, Jessie Marisa, Alisa Adams and Monalisa Kandava.
Dube will be representing the country at the Miss Universe 73rd edition in Mexico later this year.