Online Reporter
South Africa will not be participating in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, marking the first time in history that the nation will miss the global beauty spectacle.
The Miss South Africa Organisation announced the decision during a recent media briefing introducing its new co-chairs, Basetsana Kumalo and Peggy-Sue Khumalo, revealing that this year’s queen, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, will not be competing at Miss Universe due to time constraints and preparation challenges.
“This year, Miss SA will not be competing at Miss Universe due to the timing,” the organisation explained.
“A Miss SA representative requires up to three months of preparation before travelling abroad, but Miss Universe is scheduled immediately after our national pageant. It would be unfair for our queen to participate without being fully prepared.”
The decision comes amid major structural changes within the Miss SA Organisation, now under Motsepe Company’s leadership, signalling what they call “a new era” for the pageant. Traditionally held in August, the Miss SA finale was pushed back to October this year to allow for extensive planning and the introduction of new leadership initiatives.
In 2024, Miss SA Mia Le Roux was set to represent the country at Miss Universe but was forced to withdraw due to health complications just hours before the finale.
Meanwhile, preparations for Miss Universe 2025 are proceeding as planned in Thailand, with the global event scheduled to run from November 2 to 21. The Miss Universe Organisation’s Vice President for Asiana, Nawat Itsaragrisil, confirmed that despite the death of Queen Mother Sirikit, the event will go ahead with slight adjustments to respect the national mourning period.
“While entertainment activities are not banned, organisers have been advised to maintain a tone that aligns with the mourning atmosphere,” said Itsaragrisil.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe Lyshanda Moyas is already in Thailand for the pageant’s boot camp ahead of the grand finale later next month.
Her participation comes as anticipation builds across the region, with fans eager to see how Zimbabwe’s queen will perform in a competition now missing one of its traditional powerhouses, South Africa. — IOL/Pep/Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
