Miss SA 2023 finalist Melissa Nayimuli to represent South Africa at Miss Universe

Miss SA 2023 finalist Melissa Nayimuli will represent South Africa at this year’s Miss Universe pageant.

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The National Director for Miss Universe South Africa, Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala, says Africa Beauty International acquired the Miss Universe and Miss Supranational licenses.

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“We called out about 10 ladies who have experience in this industry. One of the biggest reasons why we were looking for experience is because we literally had less than three weeks to get a girl ready for Miss Universe,” she says.

Nayimuli was crowned Miss Universe South Africa 2025 after a casting process and a series of interviews with a judging panel, which included former Miss SA Lalela Mswane.

“Based on the scores, [Melissa] came out as the winner. She is very mature, her interview was fantastic,” she adds.

The 2025 Miss Universe pageant will take place on 21 November 2025.

To listen to Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala in conversation with 947’s Drive with Thando, use the audio player below: