By Staff Reporter
PRETORIA – While Limpopo had no contestant in this year’s Miss South Africa pageant, the province’s cultural brilliance and artistic influence lit up the stage through three remarkable women — Masingita Shibambu, fondly known as Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga, former Miss South Africa 2022 Ndavi Nokeri, and BET Award-winning music star Makhadzi.
The dazzling ceremony took place on Saturday, October 25, at the SunBet Arena, Times Square in Pretoria, where South Africa’s most inspiring women gathered for an unforgettable evening of glamour, unity, and empowerment.
The Matiyani village-born poet and author Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga opened the event with a powerful Xitsonga praise poem, setting the stage alight with her commanding voice and deep cultural pride. Her performance celebrated language, heritage, and womanhood, earning thunderous applause from the audience.
Adding to the excitement, Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, popularly known as Makhadzi, took to the stage with an electrifying performance — her second appearance at the Miss South Africa pageant. The Ha-Mashamba-born singer, songwriter, and dancer showcased her world-class talent, further proving why she remains one of Limpopo’s brightest stars.
Meanwhile, Ndavi Nokeri, the Gavaza-born beauty who won Miss South Africa 2022, returned this year as one of the distinguished judges on the panel. She joined other prominent figures including Dr. Tamaryn Green Nxumalo, Cindy Mahlangu, Heidi Giokos, and Thebe Ikalafeng in selecting South Africa’s new queen.
After weeks of anticipation and thousands of entries, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, a 24-year-old speech therapist from the Eastern Cape, was crowned Miss South Africa 2025. Luyanda Zuma (23) from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, was named first princess, and Karabo Mareka (27) from Alexandra, Johannesburg, took the title of second princess.
Through their art, elegance, and excellence, Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga, Ndavi Nokeri, and Makhadzi proudly carried Limpopo’s flag high — reminding South Africa that the province continues to produce women who inspire through culture, talent, and purpose.
