New Miss SA 2025: Who Is Qhawekazi Mazaleni?

24-year-old Qhawekazi Mazaleni was crowned Miss SA at the finale of the pageant held at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Saturday 25 October.

QHAWEKAZI MAZALENI CROWNED MISS SA

Dear South Africa, meet your new Miss SA! Qhawekazi Mazaleni was crowned Miss SA 2025 at the finale of the pageant which took place at Times Square in Pretoria on Saturday 25 October. 23-year-old Luyanda Zuma was the runner-up followed by Karabo Mareka, the second runner-up.

The new Miss SA expressed her concern over unemployment in South Africa during her impact statement.

“To break the cycle of unemployment, we must start by addressing its root causes. When 81 percent of our Grade 4 learners struggle to read for meaning, it shows us that our youth is left behind,” she said.

“As your Miss SA, my heart’s intent is to ensure inclusive education,” she continued.

While Qhawekazi is now the new Miss SA, she will not be competing at the Miss Universe pageant. Instead, Melissa Nayimuli will be competing at the pageant.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW MISS SA

• She hails from Butterworth in the Eastern Cape.
• Qhawekazi is a speech therapist. She holds a Bachelor of Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy
• The beauty queen is currently doing her Masters, specialising in autism.
• She enjoys reading and fitness.
• She is passionate about empowerment, not just for women but also boys and girls.

Taking to her Instagram Story ahead of the finale, Qhawekazi expressed that her journey is bigger than herself but also for every woman who wants to make an impact.

“This entire journey has been bigger than me. It’s for every single woman who has imagined themselves making an impact but didn’t know where to start. May you know that what you have is enough. Start with what you have, be intentional remain kind and the rest will flow,” she wrote.

“I have said it a million times and cannot stop. Thank you so much for seeing my heart. From April until now, you have shown me how powerful it is just to continue to show up as myself. Because it allows so many women, men, girls, and boys to dare to be seen trying,” she ended.