Qhawekazi Mazaleni crowned Miss South Africa 2025

Qhawe wins Miss South Africa 2025

Eastern Cape-born Qhawekazi Mazaleni has been named Miss South Africa 2025, claiming the country’s most coveted beauty title during a star-studded finale at the SunBet Arena in Tshwane on Saturday night.

The newly crowned queen, who works as a speech therapist, won over both the judges and audience with her elegance, intelligence, and heartfelt message on youth empowerment and inclusive education.

“I want to champion inclusive education. This role means you are not just Miss SA; you are an agent of change in the country,” Mazaleni said moments after her win.

The live show, hosted by media personalities Nomalanga Shozi and Pamela Mtanga, dazzled viewers with top-tier production and high-energy performances.

The judging panel featured actress Cindy Mahlangu, former Miss SA Dr Tamaryn Green-Nxumalo, journalist Heidi Giokos, and strategist Thebeetsile Ikalafeng, each bringing their unique expertise to the table.

Mazaleni succeeded outgoing queen Mia le Roux, stepping confidently into the role as the 67th woman to wear the crown.

From the outset, she was a crowd favorite, eventually standing out among nine finalists after one contestant, Lebohang Msimang, bowed out of the competition.

Representing the coastal town of Gonubie in the Eastern Cape, Mazaleni now resides in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.

The 24-year-old holds a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Therapy from Stellenbosch University and is currently completing her master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Pretoria, specializing in autism.

Her advocacy is deeply rooted in empowerment and accessibility.

Beyond her academic work, Mazaleni authored an isiXhosa children’s book titled Amasele Amdaka, inspired by a young patient living with cerebral palsy.

In her reign, she hopes to use her platform to address pressing issues like women’s empowerment and South Africa’s staggering youth unemployment rate, which currently stands at over 46%.

She said she intends to “bridge the cultural and linguistic gaps in speech therapy while remaining aware of our political, economic, and social realities.”

Joining her on the podium were Luyanda Zuma from Pietermaritzburg, crowned first princess, and Karabo Mareka from Alexandra, who took home the title of second princess.

Mazaleni’s win comes with a prize haul worth more than R3 million, including R1 million in cash, a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé, and a luxury three-bedroom penthouse.

The title also opens doors to global travel, brand collaborations, and the chance to represent South Africa on international stages.