Zimbabwe has reason to celebrate as Colonel Miniyothabo “Minie” Baloyi-Chiwenga, the nation’s Second Lady, has been appointed to the Selection Committee for the prestigious Miss Universe 2025 competition, currently taking place in Thailand. Her appointment marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first African non-model judge to serve on the panel for the globally renowned beauty pageant.
The Miss Universe organisers officially introduced Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga to fans and the international community, describing her as “a distinguished leader and visionary changemaker proudly serving on the Selection Committee for the 74th Miss Universe Competition.” They highlighted her exceptional credentials, noting that she is fluent in six languages and made history as the first woman to command a United Nations peacekeeping platoon in Angola.
Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga’s professional and humanitarian work extends far beyond her military achievements. She has consistently been recognised for her contributions to education, healthcare, sustainability, and the fashion industry. These accomplishments, combined with her leadership experience and global perspective, position her uniquely to assess contestants not just for beauty, but for intelligence, social awareness, and advocacy—qualities that have become central to the Miss Universe ethos.
Speaking to the media following the announcement, Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga expressed her excitement and honour at being selected for this role. “Guys, I can’t keep calm! I am one of the judges for the Miss Universe Finals in Thailand. I am the first non-model judge from Africa,” she said, sharing her pride in representing Zimbabwe on such a prominent international platform. Her participation underscores Zimbabwe’s growing presence in global cultural and leadership arenas, showcasing the country’s talent and excellence beyond traditional diplomatic and sports achievements.
Zimbabwe’s Second Lady Colonel Miniyothabo “Minie” Baloyi-Chiwenga Joins Miss Universe 2025 Selection Committee
Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga also serves as the board chairperson of Miss Universe Zimbabwe, a role in which she has been instrumental in shaping the local pageant’s vision and promoting its core values. Her appointment to the international Selection Committee is therefore not only a personal achievement but also a testament to Zimbabwe’s rising influence within global pageantry and its commitment to empowering women across sectors.
Zimbabwe’s representative for the Miss Universe 2025 competition, Lyshanda Moyas, will now have the added confidence of having a distinguished countrywoman on the judging panel. Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga’s involvement ensures that Zimbabwe’s perspective and values are well represented at the highest level of the competition. Moyas, like other contestants, will be evaluated not only for her poise and elegance but also for her advocacy, intelligence, and capacity to inspire.
Observers note that Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga’s appointment sends a powerful message about the evolving definition of beauty and leadership in global pageants. The Miss Universe competition has increasingly focused on identifying women who are not only visually striking but who also embody resilience, social consciousness, and the ability to effect meaningful change. As a military leader, humanitarian advocate, and board chairperson, Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga exemplifies these qualities, making her selection as a judge a natural fit.
Her inclusion also represents a broader movement towards diversifying representation on international judging panels. Traditionally dominated by individuals from modelling and entertainment backgrounds, the Miss Universe Selection Committee now benefits from Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga’s unique combination of military discipline, leadership experience, and humanitarian insight. This diversity is expected to enrich the evaluation process, ensuring that contestants are assessed through a multifaceted lens that celebrates both beauty and substance.
Beyond the competition itself, Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga’s involvement serves as an inspiration to women and young people across Zimbabwe and Africa. Her trailblazing journey—from commanding a UN peacekeeping platoon to steering initiatives in education, healthcare, and fashion—demonstrates that leadership and influence know no bounds. Her visibility on the Miss Universe stage highlights how women can leverage diverse skills and experiences to achieve global recognition, while continuing to advocate for meaningful social change.
As the Miss Universe 2025 finals progress in Thailand, all eyes will be on the contestants, the judges, and the dynamic discussions shaping the selection process. Zimbabweans can take pride in knowing that Colonel Miniyothabo “Minie” Baloyi-Chiwenga is not only representing the nation but also setting a new standard for excellence, leadership, and African representation on the world stage.
Source- MOB
