KwaZulu-Natal Premier congratulates Luyanda Zuma for achieving First Princess at Miss South Africa 2025.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has congratulated Pietermaritzburg’s Luyanda Zuma for being crowned First Princess at the Miss South Africa 2025 pageant, calling her achievement a source of pride for the province.
Miss South Africa Organisation announced Qhawekazi Mazaleni as the new Miss South Africa 2025, with Zuma as First Princess and Second Princess Karabo Mareka, 27, from Gauteng.
Mazaleni, who will lead the organisation’s new Empower Youth Africa (EYA) initiative, said she intends to anchor her reign in measurable impact across youth unemployment, entrepreneurship, education, health, and civic engagement. Zuma, the only contestant representing KwaZulu-Natal after the withdrawal of Lebohang Msimango from eMpangeni, was recognised for her “grace, dignity, and determination” at the finale held in Pretoria on Saturday night.
Premier Ntuli praised Zuma for her resilience and purpose-driven approach to the competition. “From Pietermaritzburg to every corner of KwaZulu-Natal, our people continue to shine on national and global stages. We stand behind Luyanda as she embarks on the next chapter of her journey. We trust she will use this platform not only to represent our province and country with elegance and integrity, but also to advance causes of empowerment, job creation, and community upliftment.”
The premier commended Zuma’s commitment to empowerment and service, describing her second attempt at the Miss South Africa crown as “humbling” and inspiring. “On behalf of the people of KwaZulu-Natal, I thank Luyanda for carrying our flag high and I wish her every success in the years ahead. May this be just the beginning of a journey marked not merely by pageantry, but by leadership, purpose, and service,” he said.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party also congratulated Mazaleni on being crowned Miss South Africa 2025, describing her as a reflection of “the essence of South African women.” The party also extended congratulations to Zuma and Mareka and further commended all the 2025 finalists for showcasing South Africa’s cultural diversity and resilience.
“Their stories continue to inspire and reflect the strength, resilience and beauty that define our nation,” it said.
The MK Party also thanked outgoing Miss South Africa 2024, Mia le Roux, for representing the country “with grace and elegance during her reign.”
