Qhawekazi Mazaleni is crowned Miss South Africa 2025

After thousands of entries, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, a speech therapist from the Eastern Cape, has been crowned Miss South Africa 2025.

The 24-year-old was elated when was announced as the winner during a glittering ceremony on Saturday, October 25 SunBet Arena at Times Square in Pretoria.

Luyanda Zuma, 23 from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal was crowned the first princess and Karabo Mareka, 27 from Alexandra in Johannesburg was named the second princess.

Mazaleni takes over from Miss South Africa 2024 Mia le Roux, whose reign was extended for two months as the organisers ushered in a new era.

As the new Miss SA, Mazaleni will receive a prize package worth over R3 million. This includes a R1 million cash prize, a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé and a three-bedroom penthouse apartment for her year of reign. 

This year’s event was hosted by television presenter and actress Nomalanga Shozi and South African media personality Pamela Mtanga.Miss SA 2023 Natasha Vermaak and Dr Fezile Mkhize, who held the title of Mister Supranational in 2024, hosted the AFI red carpet.

The event also featured electrifying performances from award-winning singer Makhadzi as well as music sensations Ciza, Lordkez and Langa Mavuso.

In a celebration of womanhood, one of the highlights of the night was the  performance by musicians Demi Lee More, Bucie, Karen Zoid and Xolly Mncwango took to the stage together to perform together with a local school choir.

Meanwhile, this year’s Miss SA pageant, which was broadcast live on S3 and Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), featured a new judging panel consisting of former titleholders.

They included Miss South Africa 2018 Dr. Tamryn Green Nxumalo, Ndavi Nokeri who was the titleholder in 2022. 

Actress Cindy Mahlangu, award-winning broadcast journalist Heidi Giokos and brand strategist Thebeetsile Ikalafeng, rounded off the panel.