Matabeleland continues to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Onesimo Nkomo, despite her not clinching the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 crown.

Rooted in Nkayi, Matabeleland North, Queen Onesimo was crowned 1st runner-up at the Miss Universe Zimbabwe finals held on Saturday, May 17.

During casting, she described herself as a nurturer, a builder, a mother, and a household name—powerful words that echoed throughout her journey on the Miss Universe Zimbabwe stage.

“I am Onesimo Nkomo, 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.

Bathi umfazi ngumthanyelo womuzi, kodwa mina angisiyindlu kuphela, ngiyinqaba, ngakha! Ngagcwalisa! Ngavuka.
I am not just a survivor, I am a throne built from broken pieces.”

Her advocacy focused on improving maternal and postpartum care, an issue close to her heart.

“Women have faced challenges during and after childbirth. In Zimbabwe, the maternal mortality ratio is alarmingly high, with 363 deaths per 100,000 live births, and an adolescent birth rate of 99 per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19.

This underscores the need for better maternal and postpartum care, which aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). We need postpartum care not just for our bodies, but for our hearts. We need to normalize asking Mama, how are you?“

Although she stumbled during the Q&A round, unable to fully respond to a question posed by guest judge Connie Ferguson, supporters from across Matabeleland believe this is just the beginning for her.

Many have taken to social media and community platforms, calling Queen Onesimo a rising star destined for greater crowns.