Cape Town – Melissa Nayimuli, who is representing South Africa at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand, made a powerful cultural statement during the National Costume presentation.
She appeared in a modern Xhosa umbaco — a black-and-white ensemble designed by Hollywood Costumes and hand-beaded by Lunto Accessories, a women-owned brand.
The flowing cape of her costume was crafted as a tribute to strong matriarchs — from her own mother to iconic women such as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Zozibini Tunzi.
The design’s alternating black and white colour scheme symbolizes “balance … a visual metaphor for the duality of grace and resilience carried by generations of Eastern Cape women.”
Her look was completed with a traditional Xhosa headpiece, the isgcolo, to represent dignity and woman’s strength.
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Melissa has spoken openly about what this opportunity means to her: she said earlier this month that “this moment is full circle for me. I am embracing each and every step of this journey … with a message so important to share on a global platform — a message of unity, transformation, rebirth, and resilience.”
Backed by African Beauty International, she noted that her costume “tells a story of heritage and heroism … that she carries not only her own dreams, but the legacy of every woman who has walked before her.”
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Picture: Instagram/@Melissa
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
