By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
Malibongwe Mkhwanazi from the Dr Pixely Ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality, was recently crowned as the winner of the Miss Mpumalanga 2025 pageant, held at the Communio Auditorium in the City of Mbombela.
The pageant was held under the theme; “15 years of changing the life of a girl child”. Mkhwanazi took the reigns from Miss Mpumalanga 2024, Bajabulise Thela, who handed over the coveted crown to Mkhwanazi on the night of the event.
2024,Bajabulise Thela, bidding farewell to the crown
Apart from the sash and crown, Mkhwanazi actually walked away with a brand new Audi A1, a bursary from the Office of the Premier(OTP), a fully-furnished apartment, as well as beauty products from Sasekile Cosmetics. She will also assume her role as an ambassador for responsible drinking and gambling in the province.
The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism in Mpumalanga, Makhosazane Masilela, delivered the keynote address at the prestigious and glamorous event. She referred to the pageant as a platform to celebrate beauty and cultivate intelligence, resilience, as well as social responsibility.
According to MEC Masilela, the crowning of Miss Mpumalanga is beyond just a beauty pageant, but it ensures that young women emerge as role models and change-makers who contribute meaningfully to society.
“ This evening we reflect on what this journey has meant for our province. Each year, this initiative brings out the very best of Mpumalanga talent, ambition, and a commitment to making a difference. Thus, one of the key roles of Miss Mpumalanga is to serve as an ambassador for responsible gambling, ethical liquor trade, and responsible consumption,” said MEC Masilela.
The event was also attended by senior Mpumalanga government officials, including the MEC for DARDLEA(Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs), Nompumelelo Hlophe, who wore matching yellow coloured-outfits with MEC Masilela.
