Eastern Cape deems new Miss SA Qhawekazi Mazaleni a 'beacon of hope'

As congratulatory messages pour in for newly crowned Miss South Africa, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, the Eastern Cape government has hailed her as a beacon of hope and an embodiment of the province's "Home of Legends" spirit.

The 24-year-old Mazaleni was crowned during a glamorous ceremony at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Saturday.

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Government hails new Miss South Africa Qhawekazi Mazaleni

5 Things to know about Miss SA Winner Qhawekazi Mazaleni

Fondly known as Qhawe, Mazaleni hails from Idutywa in the Amathole District Municipality and has built an inspiring reputation as a speech therapist, author, and digital creator.

Mazaleni becomes the second Miss South Africa to emerge from the Eastern Cape, following in the footsteps of Zozibini Tunzi, who won the national title in 2019.

Mazaleni's passion for inclusive education has seen her make remarkable strides in advocating for children with special learning needs. Among her notable achievements is authoring a children's book designed to support learners with cerebral palsy.

Armed with a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, with a focus on autism, Mazaleni continues to champion accessibility, representation, and equal learning opportunities for all children.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has praised the new Miss South Africa for her dedication and achievements, describing her as an inspiration to young South Africans.

The provincial government has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Mazaleni, her family, and her supporters, stating her win not only brings pride to the Eastern Cape but also reaffirms its legacy as the birthplace of legends.