Nande Mabala, a 27-year-old model and social media entrepreneur from Worcester, was named first runner-up at the Miss World South Africa 2024 pageant. Although she narrowly missed the crown, Mabala is taking it all in stride, focusing on the journey rather than the outcome.
The event, held at the Sun City Superbowl, saw Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg, 18, crowned as Miss World SA 2024. For Mabala, this marked her second top-three finish in a major pageant, after placing third in Miss South Africa 2023. Reflecting on her achievement, she said in an interview with IOL, “It feels both surreal and incredibly rewarding to be crowned 1st runner-up. I’ve poured so much heart, soul, and effort into this journey, and to be recognised at this level means the world to me.”
Mabala’s journey has been filled with growth, and she credits the experience for teaching her valuable lessons. “I’m proud of the woman I’ve become through this experience. I’ve learned so much about perseverance, leadership, and the power of purpose,” she shared.
Her passion for pageantry goes beyond the titles, as her ultimate dream is to make a significant difference in the world. “The dream of becoming Miss World has always been the plan for me. I initially entered pageants with that goal in mind because the opportunity to help people on such a large scale through that title is a dream I’ve held for 10 years.”
Mabala’s “Go Green SA” initiative, which focuses on tackling food insecurity, remains central to her vision. “Food insecurity remains a major challenge, and I’m committed to working on solutions at both a local and global level,” she said. Alongside her advocacy work, she plans to expand her career as a social media entrepreneur and content creator, ensuring that her work continues to inspire others.
With big plans for her foundation and a clear focus on positive social impact, Mabala is embracing the next chapter. “This isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of a new chapter where I hope to continue inspiring and empowering others.”
