Tinotenda Hove -GWERU – Twenty-year-old model Kudzaishe Daphne Chimedza, a former Mandava High School student, made history last night after being crowned Miss Midlands 2025 at a glittering pageant held in Gweru.

Her victory has been hailed as a breakthrough moment for Zvishavane, which had gone nearly a century without producing a Miss Midlands title holder. In previous editions, the crown had consistently been won by contestants from bigger cities such as Gweru, Kwekwe, and Kadoma.

“This is a proud moment for Zvishavane,” said one community member after the announcement. “Kudzaishe has shown that talent from smaller towns can shine just as brightly on big stages.”

Chimedza is no stranger to pageantry. Earlier this year, she competed at Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2025, where she walked away as the People’s Choice winner and finished as second runner-up. Her rising profile has fuelled hopes that she could one day bring home the Miss Zimbabwe crown, and perhaps even represent the country at the Miss Universe competition.

For now, Zvishavane residents are celebrating her triumph, describing it as a historic win that finally put their town on the modeling map.