Zimbabwe Honours Miss International First Runner-Up Yollanda Chimbarami

Zimbabwe’s Miss International First Runner-Up and Miss International Africa 2025, Yollanda Elizabeth Chimbarami, received a distinguished homecoming reception at a formal dinner held on December 13, 2025, at Tong Fu Restaurant in Belgravia, Harare.

The invitation-only event drew a cross-section of national leadership, including government officials, pageantry stakeholders, religious leaders, educators, corporate executives, family members and the media, in recognition of a milestone achievement that has placed Zimbabwe firmly on the global beauty and cultural diplomacy map.

Delivering the keynote address, Director Precious Chifamba read remarks on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central, Honourable Christopher Magomo. The address described Chimbarami’s international success as a landmark moment for the country, noting that her rise from Guruve District to the world stage reflects the objectives of devolution and the importance of nurturing talent at community level.

The minister praised Chimbarami for pairing achievement with social impact, highlighting her previous outreach initiatives, including the donation of learning materials to primary schools in Mashonaland Central. He said her work aligns with national priorities on youth and women empowerment, as well as cultural diplomacy, under the National Development Strategy One championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Chimbarami arrived at the ceremony alongside her spiritual father, Apostle B Java, her mother and other dignitaries. Apostle Java commended her mother for unwavering support, revealing that she observed a 21-day fast during her daughter’s pageant preparations. Several local and regional church leaders attended the dinner, which Apostle Java described as a victory anchored in faith and values.

Paying tribute, Makseth International School Director and Principal Mrs Bako reflected on Chimbarami’s transformation from a focused student seeking mentorship into a disciplined international ambassador. She applauded her dedication to education, mentorship and faith, saying her crown symbolises integrity, perseverance and purpose.

Miss Zimbabwe Trust representative Barney Mpariwa noted that Chimbarami is the first Zimbabwean to secure a first runner-up position at a major international pageant. He attributed her success to long-term preparation and discipline, urging young Zimbabweans to draw motivation from her journey.

Corporate backing featured prominently at the event, with Croco Motors officially unveiling Chimbarami as its 2026 brand ambassador. Additional donations from corporate partners and individuals were also announced in support of her advocacy work, mentorship programmes and upcoming initiatives.

The homecoming dinner concluded with renewed calls for sustained investment in youth development, as Yollanda Chimbarami was formally celebrated as a national symbol of excellence and an inspiration to emerging generations.