The 67th Miss South Africa national pageant culminated in a dazzling finale at the SunBet Arena in Tshwane, where 24-year-old Qhawekazi Mazaleni from Gonubie, East London, was crowned Miss South Africa 2025. The event, hosted by Nomalanga Shozi and Pamela Mtanga, not only celebrated beauty and talent but also marked a significant new chapter for the Miss South Africa Organisation with the official launch of Empower Youth Africa (EYA). This flagship initiative is designed to equip young South Africans with the necessary tools to drive social change across their communities.

The evening was filled with elegance and purpose, featuring performances by renowned artists Makhadzi and Langa Mavuso, which added to the celebratory atmosphere. The grand moment saw a composed yet emotional Qhawekazi Mazaleni receive her crown from the outgoing queen, Mia le Roux. Luyanda Zuma was named First Princess, and Karabo Mareka secured the title of Second Princess.

Qhawekazi Mazaleni brings a blend of heart and intellect to her new role. She is a speech therapist and a Master’s student at the University of Pretoria, where her current research is dedicated to the study of autism. Her commitment to social betterment extends beyond her academic pursuits; prior to the pageant, she had already established herself as a passionate advocate for literacy. Notably, she authored and published an isiXhosa children’s book aimed at assisting young readers in learning to read and count in their native language.

Following her triumph, Qhawekazi articulated her vision for her reign, emphasizing a collective journey towards meaningful change. She stated, "As someone who has experienced the new era of Miss South Africa from the within, I cannot wait to share this journey with you. Our mission is rooted in meaningful change in our communities which will continue far beyond my reign. This journey is not mine alone to walk, but I carry this incredible community that we have formed together."

As Miss South Africa 2025, Qhawekazi Mazaleni will also assume the crucial role of the inaugural ambassador for the Empower Youth Africa (EYA) initiative. Her focus as ambassador will span key areas including youth empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, health, and civic engagement, aligning with the organization's commitment to fostering impactful social development. Her win also comes with substantial rewards, including a ₦1 million cash prize, a fully furnished luxury apartment, and an array of sponsorships and gifts, facilitating her impactful reign.