By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Qhawekazi Mazaleni Crowned Miss South Africa 2025, Honoured for Work With Children
South Africa has a new queen. Twenty-five-year-old Qhawekazi Mazaleni was crowned Miss South Africa 2025 on Saturday night, earning nationwide praise for her compassion and commitment to children’s development.
Mazaleni, who holds a degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Therapy from Stellenbosch University, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
Her research focuses on autism and improving communication for children from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Beyond the glamour of the pageant, Mazaleni’s story stands out for its depth and purpose. Her professional work as a speech and language therapist has made her a strong advocate for inclusive education and early childhood development.
She has written a children’s book in isiXhosa to promote literacy and numeracy, with plans to translate it into all 11 official South African languages.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was among the first to congratulate her, describing Mazaleni as “an advocate for the empowerment of women and the education of our nation’s youth.” He added that her vision “reflects the values of a united and forward-looking South Africa.”
Mazaleni’s win is part of a growing trend in South African pageantry, where beauty queens are increasingly celebrated for their social impact rather than appearance alone.
In recent years, winners have used the platform to champion causes such as gender equality, education, and youth development, areas where Mazaleni’s expertise already shines.
Born to a Sotho mother and a Xhosa father, she grew up in a multilingual household that shaped her passion for language.
Fluent in isiXhosa, English, and Afrikaans — and currently learning Sepedi and isiZulu, Mazaleni often says, “Communication is connection.” Her goal, she explains, is to ensure that every South African child, regardless of language or background, has access to that connection.
In her acceptance speech, she emphasised that her reign would focus on bridging cultural and linguistic gaps in speech therapy. “The crown is not a decoration; it’s a responsibility,” she said. “If I can help even one child find their voice, then I’ve done my part.”
For her triumph, Mazaleni receives a R1 million cash prize (approximately $58,000), a fully furnished luxury apartment, and a range of sponsorships.
But for many South Africans, her greatest reward is the example she sets, that leadership and empathy can coexist beautifully under a crown.
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