South Africans have a new queen! Eastern Cape-born beauty Qhawekazi Mazaleni has officially been crowned Miss South Africa 2025, taking home the nation’s most prestigious pageant title during a spectacular finale held at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Saturday, 25 October.
The 24-year-old beat out two strong finalists, Luyanda Zuma and Karabo Mareka, to take the crown. Mazaleni walked away with an incredible prize package that includes R1 million in cash, a fully furnished luxury apartment for the duration of her reign, and several sponsorships and gifts fit for a queen. She now wears the dazzling Nungu Diamonds Moana Crown, succeeding Mia Le Roux, who held the title in 2024.
Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, Qhawekazi took to Instagram to express her feelings, writing:
“Ntinga Ntaka Ndini. All I have in my heart is a deep sense of gratitude. This win is not mine alone. It is for every single person who dares to take a chance on themselves and remains rooted in their purpose. This is bigger than me.”
She added, “As someone who has experienced the new era of Miss South Africa from within, I cannot wait to share this journey with you. Our mission is rooted in meaningful change in our communities which will continue far beyond my reign. This journey is not mine alone to walk, but I carry this incredible community that we have formed together. May you have the courage to live in your purpose. Bethuna, I am Miss South Africa 2025!!!”
Social media quickly flooded with congratulatory messages from fans, celebrities, and former titleholders. Former Miss South Africa Mia Le Roux wrote, “A well-deserved Queen! I am so excited to see all the meaningful change you will make in your reign!”
Actress and host Nomalanga Shozi also celebrated her win, saying, “QUEEEEEEEEEEN! RISE and SOAR! You were made for a moment such as THIS! Congratulations and may God light up the path before you! All my love!”
Media personality Nandi Madida added, “This made me so happy! A speech pathologist becoming our Miss South Africa is beyond beautiful. Speech therapists are true superheroes to our little ones with speech challenges. My heart smiled so big. CONGRATS.”
Fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) also praised Qhawekazi’s win, noting her work as a speech therapist and children’s book author.
User @Meme_Lipsy commented, “Building rapport is important when working with children & this is one of the reasons why I looove Qhawekazi. She’s so committed to making SA a better place & serving our communities. Tonight we’ll rest knowing that Miss SA 2025 cares about the public.”
Another user, @thelunarpiscean, highlighted the significance of her win, writing, “Last year, we were celebrating our first Deaf Miss SA. This year, we’re celebrating the person who would have helped our Miss SA 2024 learn how to speak, now crowned our Miss SA 2025.”
Meanwhile, @BooThugShakur celebrated her community impact, saying, “Oh Qhawe, you’re so deserving. Those of us who’ve followed her know the impact she’s made helping kids read as a speech therapist, writing a children’s book in isiXhosa, and even learning Setswana for her work in Pretoria. I know there’s more coming.”
From humble beginnings in the Eastern Cape to the national stage, Qhawekazi Mazaleni has shown that beauty, purpose, and compassion can shine brighter together. South Africa couldn’t be prouder to call her their new queen.
Join 'OkMzansi' WhatsApp Channel
Get the latest South African entertainment news, trending stories, and viral updates straight to your WhatsApp.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN
