Cape Town – After several months of delays and organisational restructuring, Qhawekazi Mazaleni has been crowned the new Miss South Africa 2025.
The 26-year-old from the Eastern Cape received the crown from outgoing titleholder Mia le Roux during a ceremony at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Saturday, 25 October.
Luyanda Zuma was named first princess, while Karabo Mareka took second place.
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Mazaleni, who holds a degree in social sciences, is passionate about youth empowerment and education and plans to use her platform to promote equal access to learning opportunities across the country.
Her prize package, valued at over R3 million, includes a R1 million cash prize, a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé, and a three-bedroom penthouse apartment for the duration of her reign.
Miss South Africa 2025 👑#MissSA2025 #MissSouthAfrica #CouragePurposeTransformation pic.twitter.com/nWyHVEVgV7
— Miss South Africa (@Official_MissSA) October 25, 2025
Due to ongoing restructuring, the Miss South Africa Organisation confirmed that Mazaleni will not represent the country at Miss Universe 2025.
Instead, Mellisa Nayimuli will compete internationally under the Miss Universe South Africa banner, now directed by Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
