CELEB Q & A
Miss SA:
BY TEMO MPODI
SHE CARRIES A RARE BLEND OF GRACE AND STRENGTH, THE KIND THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES IN SILENCE. EVEN ON THE RUNWAY, HER QUIET PRESENCE COMMANDS THE ROOM. MISS SOUTH AFRICA 2025, QHAWEKAZI MAZALENI, IS TRULY THAT QUEEN.
Opening the NALA Privé’ s Be Fruitful and Multiply runway collection, Qhawekazi Mazaleni radiated the spirit of abundance and possibility. In conversation with Inbound SA, she shares her vision for empowerment, representation, and her reign as Miss South Africa 2025.
HOW DID YOU EQUIP YOURSELF FOR THE MISS SA 2025 COMPETITION?
It was such an empowering experience that led me to this re-self-discovery. When I thought of entering the competition, I heavily centred myself on the‘ why’ – why I wanted to enter. I am extremely intentional about how I lead my life and the spaces I find myself in. So, when I looked at the Miss South Africa platform, I saw it as an opportunity for self-development. I prepared myself mentally and emotionally by spending time reflecting on my values and the kind of impact I want to make, building confidence through the power of my voice. I knew that it is only by truly knowing myself, that I would be able to work on myself.
WHAT DOES WINNING THIS TITLE MEAN TO YOU, PERSONALLY, AND CULTURALLY?
It’ s more than just a crown; it’ s a celebration of identity and representation. The theme for the Finale was“ Heritage in Motion”, and through the process of preparation I was privileged to uncover so much depth about other finalists’ cultures and traditions, from attire, to language and food. This win symbolises the beauty of honouring where we come from while moving forward together as a nation.
HOW DO YOU THINK MISS SOUTH AFRICA REDEFINES FASHION AND BEAUTY?
Miss South Africa has shifted the needle away from perfection, but rather to purpose. Beauty standards have been transforming through the years to be more representative of different backgrounds and cultures. Miss South Africa embodies a modern, inclusive version of beauty with impact. With the launch of Empower Youth Africa( EYA), which aims to target the challenges faced by youth in Africa, it encourages us to use our respective spaces to make a tangible impact in our communities. Whether that looks like sustainable fashion choices, challenging beauty standards or using our voices to advocate for representation is up to us. Miss South Africa is showing us that true beauty lies in your confidence, compassion and courage to be a change-maker.
DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO AMPLIFY WOMEN’ S VOICES IN THE FASHION, ARTS AND CULTURE SPACE?
Women are key innovators in those respective industries. I am incredibly passionate about amplifying the voice and reach of talented creatives. I enjoy performance theatre, where we currently have incredible female writers, performers and musicians taking centre stage. I have my eye on Pan-African fashion, which is fast taking the world by storm, and I believe that it’ s important for women to be at the forefront of
DECEMBER 2025 / INBOUND SA 21