The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
ON Saturday, all eyes will be on Nokutenda Shekinah Marumbwa as she battles to raise the country’s flag high at the Miss World 2024 grand finale.
The event is set to be held at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India.
Marumbwa is going into the competition bubbling with confidence after she recently stormed into the top five during the Miss World Head-to-Head Challenge.
She successfully shrugged off competition from at least 112 Miss World contestants who were given the opportunity to articulate their projects, ranging from environmental conservation to healthcare initiatives, social justice endeavours and educational reforms.
The achievement has landed the Miss Universe Zimbabwe first princess a spot in the top 40 at Miss World ahead of the crowning on March 9.
Four other countries that made it into the top five of the challenge are Lebanon, England, Botswana and Nigeria.
The head-to-head challenge is an important part of the Miss World competition as it is the first chance that each contestant gets to have her voice heard by viewers from across the globe.
The challenge also gives the contestants the opportunity to prepare for the final night, when each of them has to answer her final question. This segment highlights the diversity of global concerns and underscores Miss World’s commitment to fostering beauty with a purpose.
Modelling enthusiasts believe the model has high chances of a top finish because of her wittiness, ability to articulate issues, confidence and above all beauty.
Bringing the crown home will certainly be the icing on the cake considering Zimbabwe has been absent from the Miss World stage for five years.
The country last participated in the contest in 2019, represented by the then-reigning queen Belinda Potts.
Conflicts between licence holders, among other issues, affected execution of the local pageant in the ensuing years.
However, tables have turned.
Marumbwa is confident of a fine performance — never mind the controversies back home surrounding her participation in the global event.
“I am just 20 years old, but one thing I got to know is that success knows no age limit. Achieving big things at a young age sets the stage for a lifetime of greatness! Zimbabwe let’s do this together,” she wrote on one of her social media platforms.
The prestigious event will be streamed to a worldwide audience, with the grand finale featuring stellar performances by acclaimed celebrities.
Themed around “Beauty with a Purpose”, Miss World exemplifies the fusion of glamour and meaningful impact.
Karolina Bielawska from Poland is the reigning Miss World 2022.
