Sakhile Dube, a model from Bulawayo, has been crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2024, triumphing over 17 other contestants. She succeeded the 2023 Miss Universe titleholder, Brooke Bruk, in a ceremony held at the Hippodrome in Harare on Saturday.

As the winner, Dube received a brand-new Mercedes Benz C200 2020 model, generously donated by Style by Minnie, a company owned by Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga, wife of Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Mrs. Chiwenga also serves as the Chairperson for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe pageant.

The first and second runners-up were Lisa Sibanda and Ruvimbo Njomboro, respectively.

This year’s competition was so intense that the top three contestants—Dube, Njomboro, and Sibanda—had to undergo an additional round of questions and answers, as the judges struggled to decide the winner.

Among the distinguished judges at the event were former First Lady Grace Mugabe, former Miss Malaika Brita Masalethulini, Kevin The Wedding Planner, Taku Mhlanga, Hilda Mabo, and Miss SA 2002.

Sakhile Dube will represent Zimbabwe at the Miss Universe pageant to be held later this year in Mexico.