Johannesburg, South Africa – October 21, 2025:
South Africa’s most celebrated pageant, Miss South Africa, is entering a bold new era of purpose, power, and reimagination — led by women who once held the crown.
This year’s pageant sees former Miss SA queens Basetsana Kumalo and Peggy Sue Khumalo taking the helm, promising a renewed focus on impact, leadership, and youth empowerment. Their vision marks a major shift in tone and direction for the iconic platform, following years of transformation that included rule changes allowing married women and mothers to compete (read here).
“Miss South Africa today is more than a crown; it’s a calling. I am honoured to hold space for a platform that uplifts purpose, power, and the voices shaping our future,”
said Nomalanga Shozi, who will host the 2025 finale on October 25 at SunBet Arena, Pretoria.
Known for her fearless fashion and stage charisma, Shozi — affectionately called The Flame — brings years of global and local stage experience, from hosting the MTV EMAs in London to BET’s Soul Train Awards in Las Vegas.
Enter Pamela Mtanga: The co-host with momentum
Joining Shozi is Pamela Mtanga, whose announcement as Miss SA 2025 co-host marks a defining moment in her meteoric rise across television and live entertainment.
“This is very much an ‘I’ve arrived’ moment for Pamela,” said Shingai Darangwa, Managing Director of Punchline Projects, which represents Mtanga. “Hosting Miss SA puts her on one of the most visible stages in the country and across the continent. It’s a culmination of years of consistency, discipline, and magnetic presence.”
Mtanga’s recent run of career highlights includes hosting the DStv Delicious Festival alongside global icons Lauryn Hill and Don Toliver, and continuing as the face of Brutal Fruit’s The Pink Table.
As Darangwa notes, “Pamela and Zee are stepping into their power and showing what it means to own the stage, whether it’s through television, hosting, or music.”
Leadership expands beyond the crown
Adding to the pageant’s transformation, Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala — Miss South Africa 2010 — has been appointed National Director of Miss Universe South Africa under her company, African Beauty International.
Montjane-Tshabalala, one of South Africa’s most decorated beauty queens and the only one to compete in all four of the global “Big Four” pageants, brings over a decade of experience as a businesswoman, philanthropist, and mentor.
“My vision as National Director is to grow Miss Universe South Africa into a platform that not only shines on the international stage but also creates tangible impact within our communities,”
she said.
Under her leadership, Miss Universe South Africa enters an era defined by empowerment, authenticity, and purpose-driven impact — extending its reach beyond pageantry to drive real social change.
“Pageantry, when rooted in purpose, becomes a catalyst for transformation. I want every young woman who steps onto that stage to feel seen, celebrated, and inspired to use her voice for change.”
🔗 From change to continuity
The Miss SA Organisation’s recent transformation is part of a wider movement that began years ago, including the 2023 overhaul of eligibility rules and past controversies such as a finalist withdrawing amid bullying claims.
Today, the organisation is focused on its “EYA Movement” — a mission to “Empower, Youthify and Amplify” young voices across Africa, echoing the legacy of former queens like Ndavi Nokeri, whose advocacy and grace redefined what it means to represent South Africa globally.
As public voting opens on the Miss SA App ahead of the October 25 finale, the nation prepares to crown its next ambassador for change — not just of beauty, but of purpose.
