Tafadzwa Zimoyo in BANGKOK, Thailand

ZIMBABWE has scored one of its biggest breakthroughs on the global beauty stage after Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, chairperson of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe Organisation, was officially selected as a judge for this year’s Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.

Her appointment is not only a victory for the nation, but a watershed moment for Africa and for representation in global pageantry.

The announcement was made ahead of the highly anticipated grand finale, sending waves of excitement across the Zimbabwean delegation, the global pageant community and thousands of fans back home.

Col Baloyi-Chiwenga joins an elite panel composed of international fashion executives, cultural ambassadors, renowned creatives and former Miss Universe titleholders, who will assess more than 80 contestants from across the world.

What has set her selection apart and triggered celebration is that Col Baloyi-Chiwenga becomes the first non-model from Zimbabwe to serve as an official judge at Miss Universe.

The honour has been widely welcomed as a progressive shift in recognising leadership, intellect and cultural understanding beyond traditional modelling backgrounds.

Since taking over the Miss Universe Zimbabwe Organisation, Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga has rebuilt structures, enhanced professionalism and restored international confidence in Zimbabwe’s participation. Her work has ensured that the country returns to the Miss Universe stage with purpose, world-class presentation and renewed national pride.

Her appointment, observers say, is a reflection of that influence.

Speaking after her confirmation as judge, Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga said she felt deeply honoured to represent Zimbabwe at such a prestigious level.

“This responsibility is bigger than myself. It reflects Zimbabwe’s return to global participation and the world’s recognition of our standards,” she said.

“Judging at Miss Universe requires fairness, cultural sensitivity and a deep appreciation of what modern womanhood represents. I am humbled to contribute to that process.”

She also expressed joy at breaking new ground as a non-model on the judging panel, something she hopes will inspire women across different industries.

“I am proud to be the first non-model from Zimbabwe to sit on this panel,” she said.

“It shows that leadership, dedication and cultural insight are as valuable as catwalk experience. Miss Universe is evolving and I am happy to be part of a chapter that recognises diverse forms of excellence.”

Her remarks have been praised as powerful, especially in a year when the Miss Universe organisation has emphasised inclusivity, diversity and the importance of voices from various fields of society.

The Zimbabwean delegation in Bangkok, including this year’s contestant, Lyshanda Moyos, has welcomed the announcement with excitement. According to observers, Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga’s presence on the judging panel has elevated the team’s confidence and reinforced Zimbabwe’s seriousness in returning to the world stage.

Lyshanda, who has been performing strongly throughout the competition and earning admiration from both Thai fans and international pageant analysts, said the appointment has inspired her even more.

Industry commentators across Asia, Europe, and Africa have highlighted that Col Baloyi-Chiwenga’s appointment sends a powerful message: Africa’s voice in global beauty and culture is rising.

Her inclusion on the panel demonstrates a shift towards recognising leadership beyond physical aesthetics — a shift that many say Miss Universe desperately needs.

The excitement surrounding her appointment has also triggered discussions about Zimbabwe’s growing presence in global cultural diplomacy, including Africa as a whole.

Many see this as a moment that validates the country’s renewed approach to pageantry under her leadership.

As the world now turns its attention to Bangkok for the crowning moment, Col Baloyi-Chiwenga stands not only as a judge but as a symbol of Zimbabwean excellence: intelligent, seasoned, grounded and representing a new era for African participation on the global stage.