Miss Universe SA: Melissa Nayimuli shows off national costume

Miss Universe South Africa, Melissa Nayimuli has showcased her national costume, paying tribute to women of the Eastern Cape.

MELISSA NAYIMULI SHOWCASES NATIONAL COSTUME AT MISS UNIVERSE

Miss Universe South Africa, Melissa Nayimuli showcased her national costume for the upcoming pageant. The Miss Universe finale takes place on Friday 21 November in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand. Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark will crown her successor at the conclusion of the event.

This year, Melissa Nayimuli is representing South Africa at the pageant. Melissa hails from the Eastern Cape, and her costume is inspired by the Xhosa culture. Take a look…

“Raised by a powerful Xhosa woman, her mother Melissa’s national costume is timely, by celebrating women in South Africa,” read the caption.

“Draped in a majestic black and white cape, Melissa Nayimuli’s national costume is a regal homage to the indomitable strength and spirit of Xhosa women. The contrasting tones of black and white represent balance — a visual metaphor for the duality of grace and resilience carried by generations of Eastern Cape women,” read the caption.

“The flowing cape, handcrafted with meticulous care, pays tribute to the powerful matriarchs and trailblazers who have shaped South African history — from her mother’s quiet strength to the unyielding courage of icons like Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Zozibini Tunzi, who stood tall as a global voice for authenticity and pride in African beauty,” read the caption.

WHY IS MISS SA NOT COMPETING AT MISS UNIVERSE?

Qhawekazi Mazaleni was crowned Miss SA 2025 in October. However, she is not the one who will be competing at Miss Universe this year. Why? Well, Melissa competed for her spot to compete at Miss Universe after African Beauty International acquired the license, succeeding the previous Miss South Africa pageant system.

African Beauty International appointed Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala the new national director for Miss Universe South Africa.