Cheryl Nyaradzo Sambadzai, 26, will represent Zimbabwe at Miss Charm 2026. This marks the first time the African country is participating in the international beauty pageant based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Cheryl Sambadzai
Sambadzai is the founder of The Educated Village in Harare, Zimbabwe. She graduated from the University of Cape Town (UCT) in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa with a bachelor’s degree in cinematography and film production in July 2021, an honour’s degree in documentary filmmaking in December 2022 and a master’s degree in historical studies in April 2026.
On May 18, 2026, Sambadzai was selected as one of the 18 Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 semifinalists. She did not make it to the Top 10 during the final round at The Harare Hippodrome in Harare on June 6, 2026.
Miss Charm 2026
On December 12, 2025, Anna Patricia Blanco Flores represented Venezuela at Miss Charm 2025, competed against 33 other candidates at the BHD Studio in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and won the title. Samantha Chikwanda was supposed to represent Zimbabwe but she withdrew from the competition.
On July 25, 2026, Sambadzai was appointed Miss Charm Zimbabwe 2026. On December 5, 2026, Blanco will crown her successor in Vietnam.
Including Zimbabwe, more than 40 countries and territories will be represented. Here are some of Sambadzai’s fellow candidates:
- Florencia Hernández, 22, Argentina
- Krysta Heath, 30, Australia
- Maatla Poo, 21, Botswana
- Britney Ngafansi, 24, Cameroon
- Natasha Peng, 24, Costa Rica
- Naomi Padrón, 23, Cuba
- Natalia Ormeño, 22, Ecuador
- Karina Ramírez, 25, Guatemala
- Chidania Compère, 24, Haiti
- Gisela Thesa, 24, Indonesia
- Balroop Aujla, 32, Malaysia
- Bayarchimeg Tsegmid, 23, Mongolia
- Shaivi Misier, 18, Netherlands
- Roma Arif, 22, Pakistan
- Fátima Rodríguez, 34, Paraguay
- Apriel Deguilmo Smith, 30, Philippines
- Dominique Reyes, 22, Spain
- Bianca Del Buon Tromboni, 24, Sri Lanka
- Charlie Cousin, 19, United Kingdom
From Zimbabwe to Vietnam
Despite the vast distance between Southern Africa and Southeast Asia, Zimbabwe and Vietnam share a meaningful relationship anchored in anti-colonial history, diplomatic solidarity, and expanding economic cooperation. The foundation of their connection dates back to the mid-20th century.
During Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence, Vietnam provided ideological inspiration and diplomatic support, as both nations navigated national liberation movements. This shared history fostered strong political goodwill and a lasting friendship through the Non-Aligned Movement and multilateral forums like the United Nations.
In recent years, the relationship has evolved from historical solidarity into practical economic partnership. Under Zimbabwe’s Look East foreign policy and Vietnam’s expanding global trade footprint, the two nations have focused on deepening ties in trade, agriculture, mining, and education. Vietnam’s dramatic agricultural transformation offers a valuable model for Zimbabwe, particularly in rice cultivation, food processing, and sustainable farming techniques.
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