Who is Hillary Makaya? A Look at the Model, Entrepreneur, and Socialite
Hillary Makaya is a multi-award-winning Zimbabwean model, entrepreneur, and socialite currently based in Johannesburg. She has built a remarkable career in modeling, working with top brands and gracing high-profile events, earning recognition both locally and internationally.
Beyond her modeling career, Makaya is a savvy entrepreneur and a prominent socialite known for her captivating public persona. Her influence extends to social media, where she shares insights into her professional ventures, personal life, and fashion, making her one of Zimbabwe’s most talked-about and influential public figures.
Modeling Career & Accolades
Born on July 23, 2001, Hillary comes from a family with a strong background in modeling. Her aunt, Connie Makaya, was the first black beauty pageant queen in Zimbabwe, and her cousin, Olympian Catherine Makaya, was crowned Miss Zimbabwe in 2014.
Following in their footsteps, Hillary has won more than five beauty pageants, including Miss Teen World Heritage (2016-2017) and Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe (2017-2018).
She began her career as a runway model at Top Model Zimbabwe Agency before entering her first pageant, Miss Interact Zimbabwe, which she won. She also made a cameo appearance in the music video for Takura's hit song "Can’t Get Over You." In July 2021, she was appointed the Face of Kariba brand ambassador to promote tourism and investment in the region.
Business Ventures
Hillary is also an entrepreneur. She is the founder of MKY, a beauty care brand named after a shortcut of her surname. In June 2021, reports indicated that she was finalizing a deal to manufacture and sell her merchandise internationally, with established links in Dubai, the UK, the US, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Personal Life
Hillary Makaya's personal life has often been in the public eye. She famously dated Robert Mugabe Junior, with the two seen vacationing together in Singapore in 2019. Before her recent marriage, she was also engaged to Tanah Israel, brother-in-law of pastor Shepherd Bushiri, though their engagement ended in 2023.
In July 2024, she married businessman Andrew Manongore in a lavish traditional ceremony where a reported US$40,000 bride price was paid. However, the union was short-lived. In October 2025, Hillary officially announced that the marriage was over and that they had been separated for several months.
Frequently Asked Questions
On October 18, 2025, Hillary announced via social media that her marriage to Andrew Manongore was over. She clarified that they had been separated for months and insisted the split was amicable and without drama.
Rumours circulated that Hillary had stolen $1 million from her husband. In her official statement, she dismissed these claims as "entirely baseless and false," emphasizing that her integrity remains intact.
She has won over five pageants, with her most notable titles being Miss Teen World Heritage (2016-2017) and Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe (2017-2018).
Before her marriage, she was in a well-publicized relationship with Robert Mugabe Junior and was also engaged to Tanah Israel.
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