Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalist: A mother who dared to dream again
RECENT Miss Universe rule changes, championing inclusivity, now permit mothers and married or divorced women to compete — and Bulawayo’s very own Onesimo Nkomo is embracing this opportunity with pride. At just 22, she carries the aspirations of her city, as well as representing women with similar experiences.
A finalist in the 2025 Miss Universe Zimbabwe pageant, set to take place this weekend at the Harare Hippodrome, Onesimo is competing for more than just a crown; she is standing for change.
Onesimo is a proud mother, entrepreneur, and Business Management graduate. Her participation in the pageant marks a cultural shift, challenging outdated perceptions and proving that beauty, strength and purpose can coexist.
“I’m a mother, a nurturer, a builder and a dreamer reborn. I have carried more than life in my womb. I’ve carried pain, purpose and passion, faced storms and now stand crowned in self-worth,” she wrote in a moving social media post that has since inspired many.
Her advocacy centres on maternal health and postpartum care — causes that are deeply personal. Onesimo uses her platform to raise awareness about Zimbabwe’s high maternal mortality rate, citing statistics such as 363 deaths per 100 000 live births and a youth birth rate of 99 per 1 000 girls aged 15 to 19. Her message is both urgent and heartfelt.
“This highlights the need for better care for mothers during and after childbirth. It ties into Sustainable Development Goal Three on good health and well-being and Goal Five — gender equality. Postpartum care isn’t just about the body; it’s about emotional well-being too. We need to normalise asking, Mama, how are you?” she said.
She paints a vivid and poignant picture of the silent battles many mothers face — isolation, stigma and a lack of mental health support. Through her voice, Onesimo strives to ensure others are heard and healed.
“This is my voice. This is our fight. Hear her. Heal her,” she declared.
She summarises her journey powerfully: “Ubuhle bami buvela ekuhluphekeni kwami” (my beauty comes from my struggles).
No stranger to the pageant world, Onesimo boasts an impressive track record. She was crowned Miss Nust in 2019, earned the Face of Truth title and walked away with two accolades at the 2020 Miss World Tourism pageant.
Her return to the national spotlight highlights Bulawayo’s rich modelling talent. Last year, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe crown was claimed by Bulawayo’s Sakhile Dube.
Following the recent withdrawal of fellow contestant Charlotte Muziri, nine finalists remain in the competition.
These include Onesimo Nkomo, Samkele Dhlamini (also from Bulawayo), Charmaine Emmanuel, Chiedza Mhosva, Brenda Kadewe, Rumbidzai Muzopa, Annie Grace Mutambu, Talic Magaiza and Lyshanda Moyo.
