The Miss South Africa pageant this year sparked considerable online discussion after requesting contestants to share their audition tapes. Many women faced negative reactions on social media following the posting of their videos on personal accounts.
This has led to waning interest in the pageant, as many South Africans viewed the situation as concerning. After much anticipation, the announcement of the top 10 contestants finally took place on 16 September, with public sentiment seemingly favoring a particular contestant based on comments posted to the pageant’s social media profiles.
Miss SA unveils official top 10 and 2025 judging panel
Despite the negative feedback earlier in the year, excitement was evident among South Africans as the top 10 contestants were revealed, which includes:
- Qhawekazi Mazaleni from the Eastern Cape
- Zanele Phakathi from Gauteng
- Nthabiseng Kgasi from Gauteng
- Luyanda Nonhlelo Zuma from KZN
- Lebohang Msimanga from Gauteng
- Karabo Mareka from Gauteng
- Gizeelle Venske from Gauteng
- Ghee-Ann Rademan from the Western Cape
- Buyisile Mashile from Gauteng
- Bridgette Jobes from the Western Cape
Qhawekazi Mazaleni and Luyanda Zuma are currently among the most popular contenders, enjoying the support of numerous fans online. Mazaleni had previously shown support for her older sister, Homba, when she competed for the title in the top 10 last year.
Notable figures such as Bonang Matheba, Anele Mdoda, and Zozibini Tunzi will be absent from this year’s event. The announcement of the judges on 16 September was met with disappointment among fans, as the new judging panel comprises:
- Ndavi Nokeri
- Devi Sankaree Govender
- Liezel van der Westhuizen
Concerns raised over voting process in the Miss SA 2025 pageant
Mzansi expressed its discontent with the management of the Miss SA pageant this year. Unlike previous years, the top 30 and top 16 were never disclosed. Additionally, the recent official photoshoot differed significantly from last year’s, raising suspicions about budget constraints.
Many were taken aback by the voting mechanism which required financial investment from participants to support their preferred contestants. Voting could be facilitated through the Miss South Africa app or their official website, www.misssa.co.za.
The first vote is complimentary, but subsequent votes require the purchase of bundles to aid a favorite in advancing. The available voting bundles and their costs are as follows:
- R3,99 – 1 VOTE
- R16,99 – 5 VOTES
- R49,99 – 15 VOTES
- R99,99 – 35 VOTES
- R249,99 – 70 VOTES
- R499,99 – 150 VOTES
- R999,99 – 350 VOTES
Voting commenced on 23 September and will conclude on 24 October at 6 PM, with the Miss South Africa final event expected to occur on 25 October at the SunBet Arena, Times Square, in Pretoria.
Public disappointment with the 2025 Miss SA pageant
The feedback from Mzansi indicates a sense of underwhelm regarding this year’s Miss South Africa pageant, with various participants commenting:
@empresshouse_ remarked:
“We know the girls have met, but we have no idea what they are doing! We can’t even see their personalities, how articulate they are, relatability, how they interact with each other. Please POST more often. Otherwise, we will be voting for someone based on familiarity or background.”
@tiffanyambermoses expressed her disappointment:
“So are we reverting to the OLDEN days of pageants where votes hinge on looks and popularity instead of what these contestants can actually contribute to the country… because we know almost NOTHING about them. Great job!”
@snqobile_makhathini conveyed dissatisfaction:
“Voting based on what? Looks? Come on now.”
@that_mj.11 questioned:
“How are we supposed to choose when we don’t know these girls? How do we determine who would represent our country best based merely on these images? This seems quite unfair to the girls who haven’t had their voices heard or shown us WHY they should win. I’m fairly certain the winner is already predetermined. Eish MARA!”
@pearl_mbili shared her feelings:
“At this point, I feel so defeated; it seems we’re voting based on appearance alone. Miss popularity.”
@ofentses commented:
“Who is managing PR? Please, can someone listen to our concerns.”
@bradley_grovers remarked:
“No official photoshoot yet? You were MIA for months; these contestants deserve a proper introduction to South Africa.”
@kaydin.gracee stated:
“This year’s competition is disorganized. I feel such sympathy for these girls.”
@_tefelo asked:
“Where is the funding for this event?”
thorisnapss_ questioned:
“Were there any dedicated contenders this year? If there were, I would know who to vote for; now I feel uninformed about the contestants.”
@rochelle_rocs raised concerns:
“What happened to the Miss SA airing on television? How did it come to this? What criteria were used for selecting the TOP 10?”
@jozee_gregory asked:
“Do you think they still have the budget to produce a show comparable to previous Miss SA editions?”
@sumuptheequation expressed frustration:
“What are we voting for precisely, and why are the voting lines even open? Are we really just voting on appearances? Please improve this situation.”
@sbosh_chauke suggested:
“The contestants are indeed beautiful, but we require more than beauty… we wish to understand you better, your motivations, and which causes or social issues you support… serve us, please.”
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