Twenty-six-year-old Lyshanda Moyas from Gweru was crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 at a ceremony held at the Hippodrome in Harare over the weekend.
Moyas, a qualified nurse currently working as a finance executive, is set to represent Zimbabwe at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November.
She received a US$10,000 cash prize, a Mercedes-Benz C200 sponsored by Style by Minnie, and a range of additional prizes.
Onesimo Nkomo, from Nkayi, was named first princess and awarded US$3,000, while Rumbidzai Muzopa, from Honde Valley, was announced as second princess and received US$2,000.
Brenda Kadewa, representing Harare, won the Best National Costume award. Moyas also received the Best Voice for Change award and a gold medal in recognition of her advocacy work.
In an interview with state media, Moyas said she has been involved in modelling for 14 years and previously held the title of Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe in 2021. She said:
I’ve been modelling for 14 years and while I’ve carried titles like Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe 2021, this is my most meaningful win.
I had doubts about entering Miss Universe Zimbabwe, especially after my last stage appearance in 2023 for Miss International Zimbabwe. But this moment is beyond anything I imagined.
Though I’m a qualified nurse, I’m working in finance and marketing. I see no contradiction, both fields demand compassion, structure, and impact. The skills I bring to the stage are as much from my profession as from my heart.
Moyas revealed that she intends to use her platform to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. She emphasised the significance of the role, saying, “This is not just a beauty title, it’s a responsibility.”
Moyas described her upbringing as “diverse and joyful”. She is the eldest of two children and comes from a multicultural background that includes Ndebele, Shona, and English heritage.
The pageant was attended by South African television personality Connie Ferguson, who served as both guest judge and guest of honour.
Ferguson, widely recognised for her role as Karabo Moroka in the television series Generations, commended both the organisers and participants.
The event was hosted by Ruvheneko, Becky K, and Arthur Evans and included a performance by Zimbabwean musician Nutty O.
More: Chronicle
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