EASTERN CAPE BEAUTY CROWNED MISS SOUTH AFRICA 2025
Pretoria – October 26, 2025
Qhawekazi Mazaleni, a 24-year-old speech-language therapist from the Eastern Cape, was crowned the 67th Miss South Africa on Saturday night at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
Mazaleni, who holds a degree in speech-language therapy from Stellenbosch University and is currently pursuing her master’s at the University of Pretoria, impressed judges with her poise, intelligence, and commitment to early childhood education. Her postgraduate research focuses on autism and language development.
In her acceptance speech, the new Miss South Africa dedicated her reign to promoting literacy and language inclusivity, pledging to advance early-childhood reading and counting in indigenous languages. She previously self-published a children’s book in isiXhosa to encourage mother-tongue learning among young readers.
“Language is a bridge, not a barrier. I want to make sure every child can cross it in their mother tongue,” Mazaleni said shortly after being crowned.
The Eastern Cape native becomes one of the few winners from the province in recent years, following in the footsteps of notable titleholders like Zozibini Tunzi. Her win was met with cheers from a packed arena and wide praise across social media, where many users hailed her victory as a milestone for representation outside Gauteng and the Western Cape.
STRONG FIELD OF FINALISTS
Luyanda Zuma from KwaZulu-Natal was named first runner-up, while Alexandra’s Karabo Mareka placed third. The finale featured dazzling performances and was broadcast live to millions of viewers across the country.
This year’s competition introduced several new rules, including an expanded age range of 20 to 32 and the removal of the requirement for Miss South Africa to compete internationally. Organisers said the changes were meant to focus more on local impact and “modern, inclusive leadership”.
Under the leadership of Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, the Miss South Africa Organisation said it wants the pageant to serve as a platform for advocacy rather than glamour alone. “We’re seeing a new generation of titleholders who are not only beautiful but purpose-driven and academically accomplished,” Moloi-Motsepe said.
PURPOSE BEHIND THE CROWN
Mazaleni’s platform, titled Read in Colour, aims to promote literacy in all eleven official languages and create employment opportunities in publishing, translation and illustration. She said she plans to collaborate with educators and authors to roll out children’s books in local languages across South Africa.
Her message resonated with the judges and audience alike, with many noting that her professional background gives her a unique edge as a developmental advocate.
“I want to show that intelligence and compassion are as beautiful as a crown,” she told reporters backstage.
LOOKING AHEAD
Mazaleni will begin her official duties this week, including charity engagements, media appearances and educational outreach. Her year-long reign will also focus on community partnerships to boost reading and language learning among preschoolers and primary school pupils.
The Miss South Africa 2025 pageant was hosted by Bonang Matheba and featured performances from Makhadzi, Musa Keys and Ami Faku.
As the confetti settled and the anthem played, Mazaleni waved to the crowd—tears in her eyes, the moment marking not only her personal triumph but a symbolic shift for a competition determined to redefine beauty through purpose.
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