When Qhawekazi Mazaleni, a 24‑year‑old from Pretoria, walked onto the stage at Miss South Africa Organization's final night, the applause was deafening – and the headline was inevitable: she had just become Miss South Africa 2025. The crowning was confirmed in a midnight‑hour blast by News24 on October 25, 2025, and echoed later that evening on Jacaranda FM, the Johannesburg‑based radio giant owned by Primedia Broadcasting.
Historical backdrop: a pageant that shapes South African culture
Since its revival in 1993, the Miss South Africa Organization has been more than a beauty contest; it’s a cultural barometer. The 2025 edition marks the 32nd modern pageant, following the 2024 reign of Natasha Joubert. Over the decades, winners have gone on to claim Miss World and Miss Universe titles, turning the national crown into a springboard for global ambassadorship.
The 2025 pageant: night of crowns and fierce competition
The final showdown was staged at the Grand Arena in Johannesburg, a venue that has hosted the event five times in the last decade. Twenty‑three contestants from every province took the stage, each vying for a prize package valued at roughly $100,000, a brand‑new car, and a year‑long ambassadorial contract.
Judges, including former titleholder Zipozakhe Zulu and fashion mogul Lerato Mokgobu, cited Mazaleni’s “poise under pressure” and “authentic storytelling” as decisive factors. The final question – a classic about South Africa’s role in tackling climate change – saw Mazaleni answer, "Our future lies in community‑driven solutions; I will champion renewable energy projects in townships across Gauteng and beyond."
Media coverage and immediate reactions
News24 broke the story within minutes, running the line‑up in its Life section under Arts & Entertainment. The article’s URL – https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/celebrities/qhawekazi-mazaleni-24-beats-strong-competition-to-be-crowned-miss-south-africa-2025-20251025-1188 – clearly embeds the publication date (2025‑10‑25) and article ID. In a quick interview, Mazaleni told News24 she felt "a mix of nerves and excitement" and thanked her family for “standing by me through every rehearsal.”
Meanwhile, Jacaranda FM aired a special segment titled “Meet your brand‑new Miss South Africa 2025.” The station’s host, Thabang Mokoena, highlighted Mazaleni’s charitable work with the Masingita Youth Foundation, noting that the winner’s platform will focus on education for girls in rural areas.
What the win means for South Africa on the world stage
With the title secured, Mazaleni will represent the nation at both Miss World 2025 in Bali and Miss Universe 2025 in New York. Analysts at Media24 predict that her strong stance on climate action could resonate well with the Miss World “Beauty with a Purpose” segment, which awards significant funding to the winner’s chosen cause.
Industry expert Dr. Sipho Ndlovu, a senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town, says, "Qhawekazi’s profile aligns with the evolving definition of a beauty queen – intellect, advocacy, and cultural rootedness. South Africa stands to gain visibility not just as a contestant but as a thought leader on sustainability."
Looking ahead: Mazaleni’s road map for the next year
In the weeks to come, the new Miss South Africa will embark on a national tour, visiting schools in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu‑Natal, and the North West Province. She will also launch a partnership with Sasol to fund solar‑panel installations in under‑served communities.
Her first official public appearance is scheduled for November 12, 2025, at the Mandela Centre for Youth Leadership in Cape Town, where she will unveil her charitable initiative, "Future Queens," aimed at mentoring teenage girls interested in STEM fields.
Key facts at a glance
- Winner: Qhawekazi Mazaleni, 24, Pretoria
- Event date: October 24‑25, 2025 (final night on the 25th)
- Venue: Grand Arena, Johannesburg
- Number of contestants: 23
- Prize package: $100,000, new car, year‑long ambassador contract
- Next international pageants: Miss World (Bali, Dec 2025), Miss Universe (New York, Jan 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Qhawekazi Mazaleni’s win affect South Africa’s chances at Miss World?
Mazaleni’s focus on climate‑action and education aligns with Miss World’s “Beauty with a Purpose” criteria. Her proposed solar‑panel project in Gauteng gives her a concrete, measurable initiative that judges often reward, improving South Africa’s odds of securing the title.
Who were the runners‑up in the 2025 pageant?
The first runner‑up was Lindiwe Mthethwa from KwaZulu‑Natal, while the second runner‑up was Thandiwe Khumalo of the Western Cape. Both women will join Mazaleni on the national honour tour.
What is the prize money for Miss South Africa 2025?
The winner receives a cash prize worth approximately $100,000, a brand‑new vehicle, and a fully funded year‑long ambassador contract that includes travel, media training, and a platform for philanthropic projects.
When and where will Mazaleni’s first official engagement take place?
Her debut event is set for November 12, 2025, at the Mandela Centre for Youth Leadership in Cape Town, where she will launch the "Future Queens" mentorship programme.
How did News24 and Jacaranda FM verify the crowning?
Both outlets received an official press release from the Miss South Africa Organization on the morning of October 25, 2025, and corroborated the information with live footage from the Grand Arena broadcast, ensuring the announcement was accurate and immediate.
Sports
Abhimanyu Prabhavalkar
October 26, 2025 AT 20:53Congrats, but I'm still waiting for the real hero to show up.
RANJEET KUMAR
October 27, 2025 AT 05:13What an inspiring moment for the whole nation! 🌟 Qhawekazi's win shines a bright spotlight on our youth. Her focus on renewable energy is exactly what we need. Let’s all cheer her on as she steps onto the global stage!
Dipen Patel
October 27, 2025 AT 13:33Love seeing someone champion climate action 😊
She’ll knock ’em out at Miss World!
Sathish Kumar
October 27, 2025 AT 21:53Beauty contests have become mirrors of society.
When a contestant talks about solar panels, it reflects a shift from vanity to value.
Qhawekazi is not just a pretty face; she embodies the future.
In many ways, her story is a lesson that purpose outweighs appearance.
We should celebrate her for the message, not just the crown.
Mansi Mehta
October 28, 2025 AT 06:13Sure, another crown, but this time with a side of sustainability – finally, something useful.
Bharat Singh
October 28, 2025 AT 14:33Well done! 🙌
Disha Gulati
October 28, 2025 AT 22:53i cant belive tht a real pageant can be used 4 agenda propoganda. they prolly have secret sponsors from the energy industry and they’re just using her to look good while the real issue is covert behemoths pulling the strings. everything is a ploy, even the "charity" vibes. watch out.
Sourav Sahoo
October 29, 2025 AT 07:13It’s amazing how she’s turning the spotlight onto renewable energy. The platform she’s taking can drive real change, especially in under‑served communities. Let’s not underestimate the influence a Miss South Africa can wield.
Sourav Zaman
October 29, 2025 AT 15:33Honestly, the judges probably just liked her outfit more than her ideas.
Avijeet Das
October 29, 2025 AT 23:53Her focus on STEM for girls is a smart move; it aligns with global trends.
Will be interesting to see how she balances media duties with actual project implementation.
Sachin Kumar
October 30, 2025 AT 08:13One would hope her platform translates into concrete action, rather than mere publicity.
Ramya Dutta
October 30, 2025 AT 16:33She’s definitely a role model, but let’s keep expectations realistic.
Ravindra Kumar
October 31, 2025 AT 00:53Another beauty queen, another opportunity for moral posturing. While we applaud her climate pledges, the real test will be accountability. Too many winners fade after the spotlight dims.
We need to watch if she delivers on solar projects or just talks the talk.