Johannesburg – The Miss South Africa Organisation has revealed the Top 10 finalists for the 2025 pageant, with the grand finale set for 25 October at SunBet Arena, Pretoria.
This year’s competition starts directly with the Top 10, departing from the traditional Top 30 format and the Crown Chasers reality series. The finalists were selected by a judging panel including journalist Devi Sankaree Govender, former Miss South Africa Ndavi Nokeri, and media coach Liezel van der Westhuizen.
The judges evaluated contestants based on social impact, resilience, authenticity, and understanding of South Africa’s social landscape. Among the finalists, three have previously competed, including one Top 10 finalist from 2022 and another finalist from 2019.
Most contestants now live in Gauteng, with two originally from the Western Cape. All ten have active community advocacy projects, ranging from bridging educational and digital divides to supporting youth employment and leadership development.
The finalists are:
- Buyisile Mashile, 28, from Daveyton, Benoni, now in Boksburg. A doctor and surgeon, she runs Ignite Unite, empowering youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Lebo Msimanga, 27, from Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, now in Midrand. She leads The Lebo Leads Foundation and volunteers with Rivers Foundation feeding underprivileged children.
- Qhawekazi Mazaleni, 24, from Gonubie, East London, now in Sundowner. A speech-language pathologist, she bridges cultural and linguistic gaps in therapy.
- Luyanda Zuma, 23, from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, now in Waterfall. Actress and model, she runs LeNZ Media and the Nonhlelo Foundation supporting orphanages.
- Nthabiseng Kgasi, 30, from Soweto, Gauteng, now in Bryanston. Marketing manager focusing on bridging the digital divide and empowering young entrepreneurs.
- Karabo Mareka, 28, from Alexandra, Gauteng, now living in Virginia, USA. Flight attendant promoting global opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
- Ghee-Ann Rademan, 23, from Cape Town. Mental health professional running an online counselling platform for women and girls.
- Bridgette Jones, 28, from Athlone, Cape Town. Flight attendant pursuing online management studies with a focus on global collaboration and community impact.
- Zanele Phakathi, 27, from Soweto, Gauteng, now in Pretoria. Founder of Diamonds Model Academy and Za Power House Foundation, focusing on youth empowerment and digital skills.
- Gizelle Venske, 27, from Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, now in Lynwood, Pretoria. Chartered Accountant mentoring peers on financial literacy and ethical practices.
The Miss South Africa Organisation described the 2025 finalists as confident, compassionate, and committed to meaningful social change, setting the stage for the next crownholder to make a lasting impact.
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