Beauty, brains, and heart — that’s the perfect way to describe Qhawekazi Mazaleni, the Eastern Cape-born speech therapist who stole the hearts of millions to become Miss South Africa 2025. Her journey from a small-town girl to a national queen is more than just a story of beauty; it’s one of passion, resilience, and purpose.
In this article, we’ll explore her background, personal life, achievements, and what makes her a role model for South Africa’s next generation of young women.
Who is Qhawekazi Mazaleni?
Qhawekazi Mazaleni is a South African model and speech therapist who gained national recognition after being crowned Miss South Africa 2025. Her poise, intelligence, and deep-rooted connection to her community have made her one of the most admired young women in the country.
She represents a new generation of beauty queens who balance professional achievement with social purpose, proving that a crown is not just an accessory — it’s a symbol of influence and service.
Early Life and Hometown
Born and raised in Butterworth, a modest town in the Eastern Cape, Qhawekazi’s upbringing is a testament to the beauty of humble beginnings. Though she hasn’t revealed all details about her hometown, her rural roots have always remained a big part of her identity.
Growing up in a close-knit community shaped her values of kindness, perseverance, and hard work. She often mentions that her upbringing instilled in her a deep respect for others and a drive to make a difference through education and communication.
Age and Birthday
At 24 years old, Qhawekazi stands as a symbol of youthful brilliance and ambition. Her age might surprise some, considering her maturity and leadership qualities, but it also highlights the incredible potential South Africa’s youth holds.
Educational Background
Before her rise to fame, Qhawekazi pursued her studies in Speech Therapy, a career path that reflects her compassion and dedication to helping others find their voices — quite literally.
Her educational journey wasn’t always easy, but she persevered, often juggling studies, work, and her modeling ambitions. Her background in communication sciences also gave her the confidence and eloquence that later made her stand out on stage.
Career as a Speech Therapist
Unlike many beauty queens who focus solely on fashion and modeling, Qhawekazi’s day-to-day work involves transforming lives through speech therapy. She has worked with children and adults who struggle with speech and language difficulties, helping them regain confidence and independence.
This career path perfectly aligns with her Miss SA mission — to empower others through communication and self-expression.
The Journey to Miss South Africa 2025
Qhawekazi’s journey to the Miss SA crown began with a simple dream: to represent women who come from small towns and show that they too can shine on big stages.
After months of preparation, charity work, and public appearances, she earned her spot among the Top 10 finalists. Her intelligence, authenticity, and compassion soon made her a crowd favorite.
Finally, on 25 October 2025, at the glamorous SunBet Arena, Times Square, she was crowned Miss South Africa 2025, making her hometown of Butterworth proud.
Highlights from the Miss SA 2025 Pageant
The pageant was a night to remember. Hosted by Nomalanga Shozi and Pamela Mtanga, the event featured dazzling performances by Makhadzi, Ciza, and Langa Mavuso.
Qhawekazi shone not just for her beauty but for her calm confidence during the Q&A session. When asked about leadership and community service, she spoke about uplifting young girls through education and communication, earning thunderous applause.
Her first princess was Luyanda Zuma (23) from Pietermaritzburg, and the second princess was Karabo Mareka (27) from Alexandra.
Family and Her Sister, Homba Mazaleni
Behind every great woman stands a family that believes in her dreams. For Qhawekazi, her biggest supporter is her older sister, Homba Mazaleni.
Homba, often seen cheering her on at events, has been a pillar of strength in her journey. The two sisters share a close bond that reflects love, loyalty, and shared purpose.
Qhawekazi’s Personality and Values
Known for her humility and grace, Qhawekazi is often described as “a queen with purpose.” She values authenticity over perfection and uses her platform to speak about education, self-esteem, and women empowerment.
Her down-to-earth nature makes her relatable, while her confidence inspires admiration. As she once said, “True beauty is found in how we treat others.”
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Qhawekazi Mazaleni’s estimated net worth is around $150,000, a figure earned through her career, pageantry winnings, and brand endorsements.
Her Miss SA victory also came with a R3 million prize package, including:
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R1 million in cash
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A Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé
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A three-bedroom penthouse apartment for her year of reign
Despite these luxuries, she remains humble and focused on using her influence to create meaningful change.
Recognition and Influence
Qhawekazi’s rise to fame has inspired countless young women from rural areas who see themselves in her story. She often visits schools and youth programs to motivate students to chase their dreams fearlessly.
Her influence extends beyond beauty — she’s a voice for the voiceless, a reminder that education and empathy can open any door.
Role Models and Inspirations
In several interviews, Qhawekazi has credited her mother and sister as her biggest inspirations. She also admires past Miss SA queens like Tamryn Green and Ndavi Nokeri, both of whom served as judges during her crowning.
Their examples remind her that a title is not the destination — it’s the beginning of service.
Life After the Crown
As Miss South Africa 2025, Qhawekazi now embarks on a year-long reign filled with travels, projects, and advocacy campaigns. Her focus remains on empowering women and improving access to communication therapy in underprivileged communities.
Fun Facts About Qhawekazi Mazaleni
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She loves traditional Xhosa food.
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Her favorite color is gold — a symbol of royalty and warmth.
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She describes herself as a “rural girl with global dreams.”
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She enjoys music from artists like Ami Faku and Langa Mavuso.
Conclusion
From Butterworth to the grand stage of Miss South Africa, Qhawekazi Mazaleni’s journey is proof that passion, humility, and education can open doors to greatness. Her story continues to inspire young dreamers across the nation, reminding them that even from the smallest towns, big stars can rise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Qhawekazi Mazaleni?
Qhawekazi Mazaleni is a South African model and speech therapist who won the title of Miss South Africa 2025.
2. How old is Qhawekazi Mazaleni?
She is 24 years old as of 2025.
3. Where is Qhawekazi Mazaleni from?
She hails from Butterworth, a town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
4. Who is Qhawekazi Mazaleni’s sister?
Her sister is Homba Mazaleni, who has been one of her strongest supporters.
5. What is Qhawekazi Mazaleni’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $150,000, including her Miss SA prize package and endorsements.
Disclaimer: This biography is compiled from publicly available information and is meant solely for informational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, certain details may vary or be open to interpretation.
