Auxilia Mnangagwa Infiltrates Miss Universe Zimbabwe  – Eduzim News

By Political Reporter-Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Auxilia Mnangagwa, appears to be exerting quiet influence in the reconfiguration of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe Organisation, following the appointment of one of her close associates, Zodwa Mkandla, to the board.

A press statement released by the organisation this week announced the appointment of businesswoman Danya Kabwewe as Board Chairperson, alongside a team of board members and advisors tasked with steering the pageant into a “new era” of growth and international visibility. Among the notable names is Mkandla, who has been appointed as Board Advisor.

While the statement frames the appointments as part of a strategic leadership renewal aimed at empowering young women and elevating Zimbabwe’s global presence in the pageantry space, political observers say the inclusion of Mkandla points to a deeper layer of influence linked to the First Lady.

Mkandla is widely understood to be part of Auxilia Mnangagwa’s inner advisory circle, particularly in areas related to women’s empowerment initiatives and philanthropic outreach. Her placement within the Miss Universe Zimbabwe structure is therefore being interpreted as an extension of the First Lady’s soft power footprint into cultural and social platforms.

The newly constituted board also includes figures such as Apphia Musavengana, Tendai K. Zhou, Tafadzwa Zimoyo, D. Marandure, Brooke B. Jackson, and Joshua Taderera, working alongside the executive team led by CEO Tendai Hunda and Director Patience Lusengo.

In its statement, the organisation emphasised its commitment to “empowering young women, fostering leadership, and elevating Zimbabwe’s global presence in the pageantry space,” aligning closely with themes frequently championed by Auxilia Mnangagwa through her Angel of Hope Foundation.

Critics, however, argue that the development reflects a broader pattern in Zimbabwe where state-linked elites extend their influence into non-political institutions, including cultural and civic platforms, often blurring the lines between public service, private enterprise, and political patronage.

Supporters of the initiative maintain that leveraging experienced figures such as Makandla could strengthen the organisation’s capacity to mobilise resources and expand its international reach.

The Miss Universe Zimbabwe Organisation says the new leadership team represents “a diverse blend of expertise, creativity, and governance excellence,” and is poised to deliver sustainable success.

Yet, as the pageant prepares for its next chapter, questions linger over the extent to which political proximity may shape its direction behind the scenes.

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