Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga Honored to Shape the Miss Universe 2025 Selection Panel

Bangkok, Thailand – The Miss Universe stage has long been defined by beauty, confidence and the celebration of global culture.

Yet behind that iconic platform lies a panel of individuals entrusted with a profound responsibility.

They must identify a woman capable of carrying a global title with integrity, intellect, compassion and a true sense of purpose.

This year, one of the most distinguished voices shaping that decision is none other than Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, a celebrated soldier, academic and visionary changemaker whose life story embodies courage and service.

Her appointment to the Miss Universe 2025 Selection Committee Panel is more than a ceremonial role. It is a recognition of decades of leadership born from sacrifice, discipline and an unwavering devotion to empowering communities.

To see her name among the experts guiding the 74th Miss Universe Competition is to witness a woman who has moved through the world with a rare combination of strength and empathy, now bringing that wisdom to one of the most-watched platforms on the planet.

Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga’s journey into global prominence did not begin in the spotlight. It began in service. Over the years, she carved her own path within the military, rising with determination that challenged stereotypes and reshaped expectations.

Fluent in six languages, she expanded her worldview beyond borders and became deeply attuned to the cultural and political complexity of global peace and security.

That expansive understanding of humanity eventually led her to a historic moment that would cement her legacy: she became the first woman to command a United Nations peacekeeping platoon in Angola.

Those who served alongside her during that mission recall her calm under pressure. She carried herself with a steady poise that reassured those who looked to her for direction.

The soldiers under her leadership often described her as disciplined, fiercely principled and remarkably grounded. She was the kind of commander who inspired loyalty not through fear, but through the respect she earned by example.

Her success in Angola was not merely a personal victory. It was a breakthrough for women in uniform across the continent, demonstrating that courage and competence know no gender.

Yet even with a decorated military career, Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga never confined her talents to one field. Her commitment to service extended far beyond the borders of any battlefield. She has become a respected advocate for education, community health and sustainable development, championing the belief that lasting peace begins with empowered individuals and strong communities.

Whether supporting girls’ education, promoting healthcare awareness or encouraging environmentally responsible initiatives, she has consistently pushed for the kind of long-term solutions that uplift societies from within.

Her influence has also reached the creative and fashion industries, a space where she believes culture and identity are not simply aesthetic choices but powerful tools of representation. She has supported designers, cultural storytellers and young creatives who see fashion as a form of heritage preservation and national expression.

To her, creativity is a form of soft power, capable of defining how nations present themselves to the world. Her work in this arena has earned her admiration as someone who bridges the worlds of structure and creativity with effortless ease.

These vast and varied experiences make her appointment to the Miss Universe 2025 Selection Committee Panel both logical and deeply meaningful. The competition has evolved over the years, moving beyond its earlier emphasis on traditional pageantry to embrace a global vision of empowered, articulate and socially conscious women. It is no longer enough to be poised.

Contestants must demonstrate leadership, clarity of purpose and a commitment to advocacy. In this new landscape, Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga’s voice carries weight that few can match.

She has made it clear that she approaches this role with humility and honor. To her, sitting on this global panel is not merely about choosing a winner. It is about recognizing a woman who can stand as a true ambassador for the issues shaping our world today.

She looks for confidence rooted in authenticity, intelligence grounded in real-world experience and beauty expressed through compassion and clarity of vision.

She understands that a Miss Universe titleholder becomes a global messenger, an advocate for change and a representative of hope for millions who see themselves in her story.

Those who have observed her early interactions with the committee note her thoughtful approach to judging. She pays close attention to how contestants carry themselves, how they speak about their work and the sincerity behind their passions.

She remains grounded in fairness, always willing to look beyond performance and into the heart of character. What matters most to her is whether a contestant has the potential to influence the world beyond the crowning moment.

Her presence on the panel also holds national significance. For Zimbabwe, her involvement is a proud milestone. It confirms the recognition of Zimbabwean leadership on a global stage and reinforces Africa’s ever-expanding role in shaping international narratives.

For young women across the continent, seeing Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga seated among global changemakers is a powerful reminder that their dreams belong in every room, every forum and every global platform.

They see in her a testament that one can be fearless and nurturing, disciplined and creative, authoritative and compassionate.

Miss Universe 2025 will be held at a time when the world is grappling with new challenges. The voices shaping the competition must be attuned to the realities facing communities everywhere.

Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga brings with her the lived experience of someone who has worked in conflict zones, classrooms, clinics, boardrooms and cultural spaces.

Few judges have carried such a layered understanding of humanity. Her leadership, sharpened through years of service, allows her to recognize potential in its most genuine form.

As the pageant draws closer, anticipation continues to rise. This year’s global ambassador will inherit the responsibility of advocating for meaningful causes, engaging with diverse cultures and representing a competition that continues to evolve.

Under the guidance of leaders like Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga, the world can expect a Miss Universe winner who embodies strength, empathy and an unwavering commitment to bettering the world.

For the Colonel herself, this appointment marks another chapter in a life defined by trailblazing moments. She steps into the role with pride, discipline and gratitude.

As millions prepare to watch the glittering spectacle in Bangkok, they can be certain that one of the most influential voices behind the selection carries a lifetime of courage, clarity and unwavering devotion to empowering others.

Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga’s story is one of service. Her presence on the Miss Universe 2025 Selection Committee reminds the world that leadership can be graceful, strong and deeply human all at once.

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