What makes a queen? Is it beauty, brains, or the courage to use both for change? In 2025, Miss South Africa has given us 10 women who answer this question with their own lives. They come from Cape Town to Soweto, Alexandra to Empangeni. They are flight attendants, doctors, accountants, and entrepreneurs. They are dreamers and doers. And they are here to prove that leadership is not about where you come from, but about what you stand for.
Bridgette Jones – Western Cape
At 28, Bridgette works as a flight attendant while studying management online. Her dream? To gain global experience so she can create and collaborate with anyone, anywhere. Entering Miss SA was her next step in living a life she loves. Her motto, “No one gets left behind,” sums up her mission: build a compassionate footprint the world can follow.
Buyisile Mashile – Gauteng
From Daveyton to the world, Buyisile is both doctor and surgeon. Her journey began in Cuba and continued at Wits. At 28, she represents resilience: from a housekeeper’s daughter to a medical pioneer. She runs Ignite Unite, an initiative that bridges the gap between access and opportunity. Her motto, “Dream big; Reality will be bigger,” carries the weight of lived truth.
Ghee-Ann Rademan – Western Cape
At just 23, Ghee-Ann holds a degree in Industrial Psychology and already runs her own online counseling platform. She is proof that young voices can lead in mental health. For her, Miss SA is a microphone to amplify the healing of women across South Africa. Her motto is simple: “Here to love and to serve.”
Gizelle Venske – Gauteng
A 27-year-old Chartered Accountant, Gizelle has worked in both Pretoria and Sydney. Today she manages business development at a global tax firm while mentoring peers in financial literacy. Her advocacy lies in ethical finance, a fight South Africa sorely needs. Her words inspire independence: “A woman who follows her own footsteps will find herself in places no one else has been.”
Karabo Mareka – Gauteng
From Alexandra to Virginia, Karabo embodies possibility. At 27, she works as a flight attendant for United Airlines, proving that global doors can open with courage. She wants to be a beacon of hope for South Africans who can’t afford higher education. Her motto is daring: “You will never know unless you try. What do you have to lose?”
Luyanda Nonhlelo Zuma – KwaZulu-Natal
At 23, Luyanda is no stranger to the Miss SA stage, she was a Top 10 finalist in 2022. An actress, model, and founder of LeNZ Media, she champions African storytelling. Through her Nonhlelo Foundation, she invests in child and youth development. She reminds us that leadership has no age limit: “You are never too young to lead.”
Lebohang Msimanga – Gauteng
At 27, Lebohang holds a BCom in Economics and Marketing. By day she’s a client manager, by passion a professional model. Her Lebo Leads Foundation builds leadership in young people, while her volunteering feeds underprivileged children. Her motto is discipline in action: “Stick to the plan, not your mood.”
Nthabiseng Kgasi – Gauteng
At 30, Nthabiseng is a marketing manager determined to bridge the digital divide. From Soweto to Bryanston, she turned education into opportunity with degrees in marketing and communications. Her demand when joining her company? To work on empowerment projects for young entrepreneurs. Her motto reminds us: “Let your why guide you every step of the way.”
Qhawekazi Mazaleni – Eastern Cape
At 24, Qhawekazi is pursuing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, focusing on autism. Her work bridges cultural and linguistic gaps in therapy, ensuring no child is left behind. She carries courage with humor: “It’s only embarrassing if you’re embarrassed. Don’t be afraid to be seen trying.”
Zanele Phakathi – Gauteng
At 27, Zanele balances her role in IT at the Public Investment Corporation with her two passion projects: Diamonds Model Academy and Za Power House Foundation. Both empower youth through education and modeling. Her faith-driven motto keeps her grounded: “God’s timing is perfect.”
Why You Should Share This
This year’s Top 10 is not only about glamour. It’s about grit, growth, and giving back. Their journeys carry lessons in courage, service, and innovation. Share this article on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Pinterest to inspire others with their stories.
Someone in your network may need the push these women already embody. Miss South Africa 2025 isn’t about one woman holding a title. It’s about 10 women proving that leadership comes in many forms, through medicine, finance, art, or advocacy. The crown is a symbol, but their impact is real.
So, when you look at these 10 women, don’t just ask, “Who will win?” Ask yourself: “Who will I learn from?”
Because these women aren’t just contestants. They are culture shapers. And South Africa is better for it.
We at SFI.COZA think that stories have the ability to educate, uplift, and unite people. As a sociable and committed editor, we work hard to provide rich media coverage that connects with our audience. Our ambition to positively touch our audience's lives, one article at a time, is equal to our enthusiasm for storytelling. Come along on this adventure with us as we explore the planet.
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