Former Miss South Africa titleholders Basetsana Kumalo and Peggy-Sue Khumalo have officially been named the new mentors and co-chairs of the Miss South Africa Organisation, marking an exciting shift for the iconic beauty platform.

Their appointment was confirmed on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, by IOL Lifestyle, amidst a whirlwind of changes and controversies surrounding this year’s competition.

Former Miss South Africa titleholders Basetsana Kumalo & Peggy-Sue Khumalo have been announced as the organization’s new co-chairs.

This follows the departure of long-time CEO Stephanie Weil earlier this year. The pageant is now owned by the Motsepe family.

📹: Oluthando Keteyi pic.twitter.com/XMtNLE77aC

— IOL Lifestyle (@IOL_Lifestyle) September 30, 2025

The announcement comes after recent headlines involving top 10 finalist Bridgette Jones, who faced allegations of bullying, and Lebohang Msimanga’s unexpected withdrawal from the competition after being named a finalist.

Peggy-Sue Khumalo shared her vision for the new era of Miss SA, tying it to broader global discussions, such as those raised at the recent G20 summit. Speaking to IOL, she emphasised the need for the platform to foster activism and social sustainability.

“As a country, we are reflecting on whether we, as people, government, and business, have done enough. What we need now is more activists in our country who will champion social change and social sustainability,” Basetsana said.

Businesswoman and media mogul Basetsana Kumalo echoed her co-chair’s sentiments, highlighting the enduring relevance of the Miss SA platform. She described it as a space for empowerment and transformation, where young women can shape their futures in diverse ways. “That’s why this new era is so exciting for me, particularly as a co-chair,” Basetsana added.

In another significant development, News24 confirmed on October 1, 2025, that the Miss SA 2025 winner will not be competing in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant. Creative director Sean Lane explained that the decision was due to time constraints, as the Miss SA winner would require at least three months to prepare for the international competition.

While this move surprised some fans, it reflects the organisation’s focus on aligning its schedule with its broader vision for transformation and activism.

The Miss SA Organisation has faced a challenging year, with controversies and significant changes reshaping its image. However, with Basetsana and Peggy at the helm, the organisation is poised to redefine itself as a platform not just for beauty, but for meaningful social impact.

Their leadership brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a clear commitment to empowering South African women to take on pivotal roles in society.