Shurugwi came to a standstill on Monday as its own daughter, Roseanna Hall, the reigning Miss Universe Zimbabwe came for a homecoming celebration at Shurugwi High 2.

The mining town, usually known for chrome and gold, briefly traded mining helmets for crowns.

Hall, 34, is Shurugwi-born and bred and was crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe in June at the Hippodrome in Harare.

Previously she was voted Miss Zimbabwe Diaspora in 2017.

Hall also served as a judge at the 2026 Miss Universe Zimbabwe pageant and will represent the country at the world finals in Puerto Rico in November.

On Monday politicians, government officials and students from local schools gathered to celebrate her achievement in Shurugwi.

Notably present were Shurugwi North MP Joseph Mpasi, Shurugwi Town Council Chairperson Fanuel Machiya, Zimbabwe Village Heads Association (ZIVHA) President Temba Mliswa, Shurugwi District Development Coordinator Shangwa, District Education Inspectors, Councillors, local ZANU PF leaders and many more.

Also present were traditional leaders, school children from Chrome, Parkinson High and members of the business community.

Inmates from Shurugwi Female Prison were also part of the event, coming to parade their modelling skills, a day after a crash course conducted by Hall at the correctional facility.

Just as he did with Roseanna when she won in June, Sabhuku Mliswa showered the modeling inmates with money eliciting raucous celebrations from the crowd.

Addressing the crowd Roseanna expressed her gratitude at the reception she had received from the Shurugwi people.

“I’m very grateful for the support that I have received from the people of Shurugwi for welcoming me home.

“When i will stand on the Miss Universe podium I will be carrying Shurugwi with me,” she said.

Hall has been on the modelling circuit in Zimbabwe and South Africa for years before her crowning by outgoing titleholder Lyshanda Moyas in front of a full house.

She is a former Miss Teen Zimbabwe finalist, M-Net Face of Africa 2010 finalist and Miss Zimbabwe Diaspora 2017 winner.

She will represent Zimbabwe at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico in November.

Hall is a psychology graduate who built her career as a model in South Africa.

She has since announced that her advocacy work will go towards mental health outreach programs.

The event ended with Hall taking photos with hundreds of school children who were present