Reigning Miss South Africa Qhawekazi Mazaleni is packing up her Miss SA apartment, bringing her life-changing year as the country’s titleholder closer to its emotional conclusion.
Closing the chapter on her Miss SA home
The 24-year-old shared a video on social media showing her move-out process, offering fans a glimpse at the difficult feelings that come with leaving behind such a significant chapter of her life.
Mazaleni explained that one year had passed since she was crowned Miss South Africa and said the time had flown by. While she is ready to enter her next era, that also means saying goodbye to the apartment she had dreamed of living in.
With fewer than four weeks remaining before she passes on the crown, the beauty queen reflected on the mix of emotions surrounding the transition as South Africa gets ready to welcome its new queen.
In her caption, Mazaleni thanked the public for allowing her to serve the country. She revealed that she had shed many tears of gratitude in recent days and joked that, although she keeps insisting she will not cry on finale night, she is afraid to commit to that promise.
A reign centred on education and service
Since winning the title, the speech therapy graduate has created a notably high benchmark for the woman who follows her.
- Mazaleni used her national platform to promote inclusive education throughout Mzansi.
- Through her Empowering Youth Africa, or EYA, initiative, she campaigned for literacy in children’s mother tongues.
- Her work included writing Amasele Amdaka, an isiXhosa children’s book intended to support early reading skills while helping preserve language.
Her practical, involved approach to leadership has helped reshape expectations of a Miss South Africa titleholder, leaving behind a standard rooted in purpose and accountability.
Gratitude outweighs the goodbye
Although many people might expect Mazaleni to be consumed by sadness as her reign ends, she said her strongest feeling is gratitude for everything the past year has brought.
She called it the most beautiful year of her life, while acknowledging that this stage of her mission has now reached its end. Mazaleni said her life changed during the year because she chose each day to believe that change was possible, adding that she hopes others have seen that the same possibility exists for them too.
The outgoing queen also stressed that her commitment to serving others will continue well beyond her time wearing the crown.
She said her life will stay grounded in the children she has helped and those she still intends to help. Mazaleni added that she is excited to uncover more of her own talents, insisting this will not be the last time the public sees her, while describing the year of service as a beautiful one.
Miss South Africa finale approaches
As the competition moves toward the announcement of its official top 12, the Miss South Africa finale is set for 14 November at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Elsewhere in South African entertainment news, Jamy-Lee Simons has reflected on her path from performing on a coffee table to securing her dream role on Uzalo.
