5 Things to know about Miss SA Winner Qhawekazi Mazaleni

Qhawekazi Mazaleni was crowned Miss South Africa 2025 on Saturday night at the SunBet Arena, Times Square in Pretoria. 

The announcement was met with cheers and excitement, marking a significant milestone in her journey.

At 24 years old, Qhawekazi is a proud resident of Gonubie, East London. Her multilingual skills encompass isiXhosa, English, and Afrikaans, showcasing her diverse background. 

She first stepped into the world of beauty pageants during her time at Beaconhurst High School, where she earned the title of First Princess in her inaugural competition.

READ: Government hails new Miss South Africa Qhawekazi Mazaleni

Guided by her motto, "It’s only embarrassing if you’re embarrassed. Don’t be afraid to be seen trying," Qhawekazi’s motivation for entering Miss South Africa stems from her commitment to education.

She believes that winning the crown will empower her to lay the foundation for impactful work that extends beyond her reign.

Here are five noteworthy facts about Qhawekazi Mazaleni:

1. She holds a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Therapy from Stellenbosch University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology through the University of Pretoria, specialising in Autism.
   
2. Qhawekazi advocates for the role of beauty pageants in fostering self-development, personal growth, and an ability to inspire change. She emphasises that these competitions cultivate a growth mindset characterised by resilience and tenacity among women.

3. She is the youngest of three sisters, a testament to the strong women in her life.

4. In her quest to promote literacy, Qhawekazi has authored and published a children's book in isiXhosa that teaches reading and counting skills.

5. She firmly believes that storytelling serves as a powerful uniting force, bringing people together through shared experiences and narratives.

With her dedication and vision, Qhawekazi Mazaleni is poised to make a significant impact in her community and beyond as Miss South Africa 2025.