Miss South Africa 2025 Top 10 Finalists Announced
Miss South Africa top 10 shortlist. Photo Credit- Miss SA
The Miss South Africa 2025 competition has revealed its Top 10 finalists, with the crowning set for 25 October 2025 at the Sun Bet Arena, Times Square, Pretoria. This year, the Miss South Africa Organisation has redefined the crown’s significance, seeking a winner who will drive meaningful, lasting change. The Top 10 selection process, overseen by reputable auditors, was guided by: Devi Sankaree Govender, a distinguished journalist, TV presenter, and former Miss SA judge, who valued authenticity, humor, and a passion for social impact. Ndavi Nokeri, Miss South Africa 2022 and Top 16 Miss Universe finalist, who sought a candidate with a deep understanding of South Africa’s diverse landscape. Liezel van der Westhuizen, a neuroscience and mental fitness coach, TV/radio presenter, and endurance athlete, who prioritized resilience and determination.
The Top 10 embody these qualities, with three having previously entered the competition, one reaching the Top 10 in 2022 and another making the finals in 2019. Eight hail from or reside in Gauteng, with two from the Western Cape. Each finalist is committed to uplifting their communities through impactful advocacy, addressing issues like poverty, digital inclusion, and global job access for youth. Here are the finalists:
Nelly Mashile, 28, from Daveyton, Benoni (now in Boksburg), a doctor and surgeon with degrees from Cuba and Wits University (2022). A 2023 Miss SA entrant, she aims to represent disadvantaged youth.
Lebo Msimanga, 27, from Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal (now in Midrand, Johannesburg), holds a BCom in Economics and Marketing from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. A client manager and model, she runs The Lebo Leads Foundation to foster leadership skills and volunteers
Qhawekazi Mazaleni, 24, from Gonubie, East London (now in Sundowner, Randburg), has a Speech, Language, and Hearing Therapy degree from Stellenbosch University and is pursuing a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Pretoria, focusing on autism. Her advocacy bridges cultural and linguistic gaps in therapy while staying engaged with South Africa’s socio-political issues.
Luyanda Zuma, 23, from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal (now in Waterfall, Johannesburg), a 2022 Miss SA Top 10 finalist, is an actress and model with a Bachelor’s in Live Performance from AFDA. Through her LeNZ Media house, she promotes African storytelling, and her Nonhlelo Foundation supports child and youth development, including orphanage outreach.
Zanele Phakathi, 27, from Soweto, Gauteng (now in Pretoria), holds an advanced diploma in Business Information Technology from the University of Johannesburg and works in Enterprise Architecture at the Public Investment Corporation. She founded Diamonds Model Academy, to mentor young models and Za Power House Foundation to empower youth through education. Her Empower Ed campaign aims to provide career guidance and digital skills to disadvantaged children.
Gizelle Venske, 27, from Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng (now in Lynwood, Pretoria), is a Chartered Accountant with a BCom Accounting Sciences degree from the University of Pretoria. After completing her audit articles at Deloitte and a stint in Sydney, Australia, she now works as a Business Development Manager at a global indirect tax firm. Her advocacy promotes ethical financial practices and mentors peers on budgeting, credit, and tax skills.
These confident, compassionate women are poised to leave a lasting legacy as they compete for the Miss South Africa 2025 crown.
FAQ about Miss South Africa 2025
1. Who are the Miss South Africa 2025 Top 10 Finalists?
The Miss South Africa 2025 Top 10 Finalists are Nelly Mashile, Lebo Msimanga, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, Luyanda Zuma, Zanele Phakathi, Gizelle Venske, and four others. These women, selected for their advocacy, resilience, and impact, will compete for the crown on 25 October 2025 at Sun Bet Arena, Pretoria.
2. When and where is the Miss South Africa 2025 crowning ceremony?
The Miss South Africa 2025 crowning will take place on 25 October 2025 at the Sun Bet Arena, Times Square, Pretoria. The event will celebrate the winner who embodies social impact and leadership.
3. What are the advocacy campaigns of the Miss South Africa 2025 finalists?
The finalists’ campaigns focus on education, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and ethical financial practices. Examples include Nelly Mashile’s Ignite Unite for access and opportunity, Zanele Phakathi’s Empower Ed for career guidance, and Gizelle Venske’s financial literacy mentorship.
4. How were the Miss South Africa 2025 Top 10 Finalists selected?
The Top 10 were chosen by a panel including Devi Sankaree Govender, Ndavi Nokeri (Miss SA 2022), and Liezel van der Westhuizen, overseen by auditors. Criteria included authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to social change.
5. What is the significance of the Miss South Africa 2025 crown?
The Miss South Africa 2025 crown represents a platform for creating meaningful, lasting social impact. The winner will champion community upliftment, reflecting the organization’s reimagined vision for 2025.
6. How can I follow the Miss South Africa 2025 competition?
Stay updated via website, or follow on social media: Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube . Download the Miss SA App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
7. Which Miss South Africa 2025 finalists have competed before?
Three finalists have previously entered Miss South Africa. Luyanda Zuma was a Top 10 finalist in 2022, another reached the finals in 2019, and Nelly Mashile competed in 2023. Their persistence highlights their dedication to the crown’s mission.
