The journey to the renowned Miss Universe pageant has never been an easy one, however, this year has been particularly difficult, as controversy has been at the centre of this journey. Contestants can now momentarily breathe a sigh of relief as they have made it to the next step to attaining the ultimate prize: being crowned the new Miss Universe.
Among the twenty contestants that have made the final cut is Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Sakhile Dube, who has caught the eye of many South African internet users. After years of a long and eventful journey with pageantry, the 27-year-old fashion model has finally realised her dream of attaining the Miss Universe Zimbabwe crown, scoring her an opportunity to compete for the ultimate Miss Universe crown.
Her journey of winning began in 2020 when she was crowned Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, going on to win Miss Earth Zimbabwe in 2022. 2023 saw her winning her first international pageant as she was crowned Miss Supranational Africa.
In addition to being a model, Sakhile is a woman of many talents and interests as she is currently a student at the Milan School of Fashion in Italy, where she is studying Fashion Designing and Styling. She is also a strong advocate for philanthropy, as she is the founder of the Zibusiso Foundation, which is an NGO that focuses on the general empowerment of children in Zimbabwe.
“Our initiative is to bring continual solutions to the vulnerable children through social support and educational opportunities.”
Following the revelation of the 20 contestants that would be participating in the Miss Universe crown, Sakhile quickly stood out to South Africans, with internet users stunned by her beauty and grace. While some users were concerned about Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina not making the final cut, other users took to the comments to express their liking towards the Bulawayo-born model.
I’m South African but Miss Zimbabwe Sakhile zibusiso Dube is just all types of perfect, I see Miss Universe in her. What a remarkable representation of God’s creation. I’m in love actually pic.twitter.com/XOIv0Yqc8C
— Stefano DiMera (@StefanoNotDead) September 10, 2024
Please let me give you a close-up of Miss Zimbabwe. This girl is beautiful dammit❤ https://t.co/MdL9ZAXHOj pic.twitter.com/unfZNyhtZR
— LizaX ??????????? (@LizaNjee) September 10, 2024
Some users have made it clear that once voting lines are open, they will be using their votes to vote for Sakhile.
When voting lines are open siyi South Africa we’re voting for miss Zimbabwe https://t.co/9QkHF4xD2G
— M. Zungu (@2bhobho9) September 10, 2024
Other users have noted the hypocrisy South Africans have shown, as they recall Chidimma having to pull out of the running to become the next Miss SA, due to backlash concerning her identity. Some users believe that South Africans should not be supporting Sakhile but support Mia instead, who was eventually crowned Miss Sa and will be representing the country at the Miss Universe.
SAns kicked Chidimma out of the Miss SA competition because she was not South African enough, now they have their Miss SA but they are routing for Miss Zimbabwe to win Miss Universe because she is African and Mia is “European”..like really?… pic.twitter.com/d8X8GoT9qe
— Dinnny_kay (@dinykay) September 11, 2024
Also see: Mia Le Roux crowned the new Miss SA 2024
