Qhawekazi Mazaleni, a 24-year-old speech therapist from the Eastern Cape, has officially stepped into her reign as Miss South Africa 2025 after a dazzling ceremony at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.

Taking over the crown from Mia le Roux, the outgoing Miss SA 2024, Qhawekazi’s victory has not only celebrated her grace and intelligence but also marked the beginning of her mission to use the platform for meaningful change.

The event, themed Heritage in Motion, was a celebration of South Africa’s rich cultural diversity through fashion, storytelling, and music. Qhawekazi stood out among the finalists, not just for her poise and radiant confidence, but for her heartfelt advocacy for youth empowerment and literacy.

Her passion for creating equal access to education was evident in her final answer, where she spoke about the importance of inclusive learning environments. Fluent in isiXhosa, English, and Afrikaans, she has already published a children’s book in isiXhosa titled Amasele Amdaka, which focuses on teaching reading and counting while celebrating cultural representation.

Qhawekazi’s win comes with a prize package worth over R3 million, including a R1 million cash prize, a luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé, and a three-bedroom penthouse apartment for her year-long reign. However, due to ongoing restructuring within the Miss South Africa Organisation, she will not represent the country at the Miss Universe competition.

Instead, Mellisa Nayimuli will participate under the newly established Miss Universe South Africa banner. Despite this, Qhawekazi plans to focus her energy on impactful initiatives within South Africa, describing her win as an opportunity to uplift communities and promote education in under-resourced areas.

The newly crowned queen’s journey to the title is rooted in resilience and purpose. From her early days at Beaconhurst High School in East London, where she first competed in beauty pageants, to earning a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Therapy from Stellenbosch University, Qhawekazi has always combined her passions for education and advocacy.

She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Pretoria, with her research focusing on autism.

Beyond her professional achievements, she describes herself as optimistic and curious, with hobbies that include crocheting, writing, and running. Her favorite meal? Chilli beef stew with steamed bread—a comfort food that reflects her love for her heritage.

Social media erupted in celebration following her win, with many praising her for embodying the spirit of empowerment and grace. Qhawekazi’s sister, Homba Mazaleni, who competed in Miss SA 2023, expressed her pride, calling her sister’s victory a testament to hard work and authenticity.

As she embarks on her reign, Qhawekazi plans to launch workshops for parents and teachers, aiming to provide practical tools and resources for fostering literacy and cultural storytelling in young children.

Qhawekazi’s message to young women across South Africa is one of resilience and self-belief: “Dare to dream, know who you are, and be relentless in pursuing your purpose.” Her reign promises to be one focused on impact, as she seeks to bridge educational gaps, empower the youth, and inspire countless others to believe in the power of representation and determination.

Watch a video of Qhawe being crowned Miss SA 2025:

Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss South African 2025 ✨👑🇿🇦 Qhawekazi Mazaleni ❤️🫶🏽 HER advocacy goes beyond the crown. #MissSA2025 #Qhawe #Karabo #Luyanda #MissSA pic.twitter.com/khSLIfo5pq

— Mike Zondile Sathura (@mikezondile) October 25, 2025