The 67th Miss South Africa finale brought glitz, ambition and a sense of renewal to the SunBet Arena in Tshwane this weekend, as 24-year-old Qhawekazi Mazaleni from Gonubie, East London, was crowned Miss South Africa 2025.
The pageant, which has long celebrated women of purpose and progress, marked the start of a new chapter for the organisation with the launch of its Empower Youth Africa (EYA) initiative — a flagship programme designed to equip young South Africans with tools for social change.
A night of glamour and transformation
While the red carpet may have started later than planned, the excitement inside the arena built steadily as fans, media and former queens gathered for what would become a defining evening in South African pageantry. The show combined music, fashion and a celebration of women who use their platforms to make a tangible difference.
Host Nomalanga Shozi led the live broadcast with charisma and poise, while Pamela Mtanga co-hosted segments from backstage. Performances by artists including Makhadzi and Langa Mavuso kept the energy high throughout the show, which concluded with a tearful but composed Qhawekazi receiving her crown from outgoing queen Mia le Roux.
Luyanda Zuma was named First Princess and Karabo Mareka Second Princess.
Instagram | @official_misssa
The rise of Qhawekazi Mazaleni
At just 24, Mazaleni has already carved out a career defined by compassion and intellect. A graduate of Stellenbosch University with a degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Therapy, she is currently completing her Master’s degree at the University of Pretoria, focusing on autism. Fluent in three languages and learning two more, she says her work is rooted in connection and access.
Her dedication to literacy and education predates the pageant. She authored and published an isiXhosa children’s book that teaches reading and counting, with the aim of helping children see themselves represented in the stories they read. “Representation gives young people permission to dream,” she has said.
Following her win, Qhawekazi spoke with emotion about her vision for the year ahead. “Leadership involves responsibility. I want to be an ambassador with deep purpose and a voice that reflects this country. I intend to take EYA very seriously during the coming year of my reign and ensure that everything I and my fellow finalists do is anchored in impact.”
Instagram | @official_misssa
A purpose-driven reign
As the first ambassador of the Empower Youth Africa initiative, Mazaleni’s focus will include youth unemployment, entrepreneurship, access to education, health and wellness, and civic engagement. The initiative unites all nine 2025 finalists under a shared mission to build scalable and sustainable social-impact projects across the continent.
Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Patron and Chairperson of the Miss South Africa Organisation, praised the new titleholder as “a shining example of excellence” and someone who embodies the values that drive the organisation’s future.
A renewed Miss South Africa legacy
The 2025 finale may have faced a few logistical hiccups, but it successfully ushered in a fresh direction for the brand — one that marries glamour with grassroots impact. With Qhawekazi Mazaleni at the helm, Miss South Africa steps boldly into its new era: one where beauty, intellect and purpose meet in the shared vision of empowering South Africa’s youth.
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Featured Image: Instagram | @official_misssa
