Reigning Miss South Africa Qhawekazi Mazaleni will not be on the Miss Universe stage this year, marking a major shift from the pageant system South Africans have grown used to over the years.
For decades, the Miss South Africa Organisation held the licence to send one of its titleholders to Miss Universe, with the national winner or a runner-up typically representing the country on the international stage. That system has now changed.
Licence move shifts Miss Universe pathway
Earlier this year, former Miss SA CEO Stephanie Weil stepped down, with the Motsepe Group of Companies announced as the new owners of the Miss South Africa Organisation. While the national competition continued under the new leadership, the Miss Universe licence did not remain with Miss SA.
African Beauty International has since acquired the Miss Universe South Africa licence, effectively separating the Miss SA crown from the Miss Universe platform. As a result, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, who was crowned Miss South Africa in October, is not eligible to compete at Miss Universe under the new structure.
Instead, Melissa Nayimuli secured the title of Miss Universe South Africa after competing in a separate selection process run under African Beauty International. She will be the one carrying the South African sash at this year’s Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.
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Melissa Nayimuli steps into the global spotlight
Nayimuli is currently in Thailand preparing for the finale, which takes place on Friday, 21 November in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi. Sharing an update with her followers, she wrote that it is “pageant week” and spoke about staying confident, rooted in her purpose and grateful for the opportunity as she heads into the final stretch of the competition.
Her participation continues South Africa’s strong legacy at Miss Universe, even as the organisational pathway has changed.
A strong Miss Universe track record
South Africa remains one of the standout countries at Miss Universe, with three global titles to date. Margaret Gardiner made history as the first South African Miss Universe in 1978, followed by Demi-Leigh Tebow in 2017 and Zozibini Tunzi in 2019.
Tunzi went on to become the longest-reigning Miss Universe, holding the title for 467 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic delaying the next edition of the pageant. Recent years have also seen strong placements, including Tamaryn Green as first runner-up in 2018 and Lalela Mswane as second runner-up in 2021.
While Qhawekazi Mazaleni’s Miss SA reign will focus on local advocacy and impact, Melissa Nayimuli will be the one attempting to add a fourth Miss Universe crown to South Africa’s record this year.
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Featured Image: Instagram | @official_misssa
