Nation Celebrates Yollanda Chimbarami at Homecoming Dinner

Zimbabwe’s pride and joy, Miss International First Runner-Up and Miss International Africa 2025, Yollanda Elizabeth Chimbarami, was officially welcomed home at a prestigious dinner held on December 13, 2025, at Tong Fu Restaurant in Belgravia, Harare.

The elegant evening brought together government officials, pageant executives, faith leaders, educators, corporate executives, family members, media and more to honour a young woman whose global success has elevated the nation’s profile.

Delivering the keynote address Director Precious Chifamba read the speech on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central Province, Hon. Christopher Magomo. In the address, Chimbarami’s achievement was described as a national milestone that extends beyond crowns and titles, symbolizing Zimbabwe’s growing presence and competitiveness on the global stage. The address highlighted her journey from Guruve District to the international arena as a reflection of the true spirit of devolution and the importance of identifying and nurturing talent from grassroots communities.

The minister commended Chimbarami for combining excellence with social responsibility, citing her previous donations of stationery to primary schools in Mashonaland Central as evidence of leadership rooted in service. He noted that she embodies the values of youth empowerment, women empowerment and cultural diplomacy, aligning with National Development Strategy One under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Chimbarami made a grand entrance to the dinner accompanied by her spiritual father, Apostle B Java, her mother and other dignitaries. Apostle B Java praised her mother for being her strongest pillar of support, revealing that she undertook a 21-day fast during Yollanda’s preparations, declaring victory in faith. Several local and regional pastors attended the dinner, celebrating what was described by Apostle Java as a triumph grounded in Christian values.

Mrs Bako, Director and Principal of Makseth International School, delivered a heartfelt tribute, recounting Chimbarami’s journey from a determined teenager seeking guidance to a disciplined, value-driven global ambassador. She applauded her commitment to education, mentorship and faith, stating that her crown represents character, resilience and purpose.

Miss Zimbabwe Trust representative Barney Mpariwa also paid tribute, noting that Chimbarami is the first Zimbabwean queen to achieve a first runner-up position at an international pageant. He said her success was the result of years of preparation and discipline, encouraging young people to draw inspiration from her story.

The evening was further marked by strong corporate support, with Croco Motors officially unveiling Yollanda Chimbarami as their 2026 brand ambassador, a partnership that underscores her growing influence beyond the pageant world. The dinner also witnessed generous donations from various corporates and individuals, reflecting widespread national support for her ongoing advocacy, mentorship initiatives and future projects.

The celebration carried a message of national pride and a renewed call for sustained investment in young Zimbabwean talent, as Yollanda Chimbarami was formally welcomed home as a national icon and an inspiration to a generation.