Meet Qhawekazi Mazaleni, Miss South Africa 2025. Image: @official_misssa/Instagram
Growing up, I was one of those girls who never missed a beauty pageant. My sister and I would curl up on the couch, each picking our winner from the start and then watching right till the end to see who was right.
I was captivated by the gowns, the smiles, and the magic of it all.
Back then, pageants felt a little more about perfection - the flawless wave, the practiced answers, the shiny crowns.
But today, things have changed.
Miss South Africa has evolved into something deeper, something far more inspiring - and this year's winner, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, embodies that transformation perfectly.
Crowned at the dazzling finale at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, the Eastern Cape beauty stood out from the start - not just for her grace, but for her purpose.
A qualified Speech-Language Therapist and now a Masters student at Stellenbosch University, Qhawekazi's passion lies in inclusive education and supporting children with communication challenges.
It's a calling that feels beautifully symbolic, given that last year's Miss South Africa, Mia Le Roux, was the first contestant with a hearing disability to wear the crown.
Together, their journeys tell a story of representation, diversity, and breaking barriers - proving that beauty truly speaks all languages.
The evening itself was a celebration of South African womanhood in all its forms.
Luyanda Zuma of KwaZulu-Natal was named first runner-up, while Guateng's Karabo Mareka took the second runner-up place.
Qhawekazi's composure, intellect, and compassion made her the standout, reminding us that confidence is quiet - but deeply powerful.
Unlike in previous years, the Miss South Africa Organisation has confirmed that Qhawekazi will not compete at Miss Universe 2025, citing timing and strategic priorities.
It's a pity, as she won't have the chance to follow in the footsteps of South African expats Margaret Gardiner, Demi-Leigh Tebow (née Nel-Peters) and Zozibini Tunzi, who have proudly carried the Miss Universe crown.
Watching her take the stage, I couldn't help but think how far we've come.
The Miss South Africa crown is no longer just about who wears it - but about what she stands for.
And Qhawekazi Mazaleni stands for intelligence, purpose, and the beauty of using your voice to uplift others.