Malibongwe Mkhwanazi from Volksrust in the Dr Pixley ka Isaka Local Municipality recently walked away with the hotly-contested Miss Mpumalanga 2025 title held at the Communio Auditorium in the City of Mbombela.
The pageant marked its 15th anniversary crowning, having commenced in 2011 with its inaugural queen, Mpumi Lephoko. It has, over the years, achieved honours with some of their crowned queens, achieving national and international accolades.
The glittering ceremony was graced by the presence of its sponsors, the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, Audi, MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Nompumelelo Hlophe and Head of Department for the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation, Godfrey Ntombela among others.
The first runner-up, Charmaine Mhlongo is from the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality and the second runner-up is Glacia Mbatsane from the Nkomazi Local Municipality.
Mpumalanga Mirror had an exclusive interview with the newly-crowned queen:
What was your reaction when your name was announced as the queen?
“My raw reaction to hearing my name being announced as the newly-crowned Miss Mpumalanga, I was in complete disbelief. I mean every girl that was there, was deserving of being crowned, however, what a privilege it is to have been chosen and called to carry this crown. Leadership is a calling, ngizimisele to be the best version of myself as uMiss Mpumalanga 2025.”
As an MER Ambassador whose mission is tackling issues of irresponsible gambling and alcohol abuse, how do you think you will you fair out?
“I promise to be a vessel of transformation, serving the community of the people and carry on the amazing work that the MER has been doing for the people of Mpumalanga. This journey is bigger than me, it’s about touching lives, creating opportunities, and leaving a legacy of hope.”
Was this the first pageant you entered?
“I actually entered the very first Miss Teen Volksrust in 2016. I wasn’t even eligible due to my age, but because of the low number of applicants, they allowed me to compete and I was proudly crowned the first Miss Teen Volksrust. Since then, I haven’t entered any other pageants, making this my first pageant of such prestige. So this is a milestone for me.”
Among the projects you’ll be handling, is the Ntombazana Pads Campaign, what’s your view on it?
It is a powerful movement and initiative founded by Mam’Gugu Nyarenda, embodying leadership and the call to be the change you wish to see. It plays a vital role in restoring the dignity of young girls and breaking the stigma around menstruation by tackling period poverty. As long as sanitary pads remain inaccessible to many, this initiative will continue to be essential in both society and pageantry.”
What is your view on Gender Based Violence and Femicide?
“President Cyril Ramaphosa declared it the country’s second pandemic, I think the justice system isn’t doing enough to intervene to hold perpetrators accountable. However, with Mpumalanga’s launch of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Council is a crucial step in fighting the rising cases of GBV. During my reign, I hope to be part of the change, raising awareness, amplifying survivors’ voices, and working towards a future where women and girls feel safe, heard and protected. This fight is personal, and it’s one we must all take on together.”
