Former Daveyton resident makes Miss South Africa top five

Former Daveyton resident Dr Nelly Mashile (28) says she is proud of her achievement after making it into the top five of Miss South Africa 2025.

The finale took place at the SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino in Pretoria on October 25, where Mashile stood out not only for her beauty but also for her inspiring journey.
Now living in Boksburg, Mashile is both a doctor and a surgeon. She earned her first medical degree in Cuba before obtaining her degree in surgery from Wits University in 2022.
Mashile grew up in the Basothong section of Daveyton, attended Kgalema Intermediate School, and later Hulwazi Secondary School.
Although she had hoped to win the Miss South Africa crown, Mashile says she is grateful she made it to the top five.

“The great thing is that I will still continue to work with the Miss South Africa Organisation until they crown someone else next year,” she said.
Mashile explained that entering Miss South Africa had always been part of her plan.
“I entered because of the adversity of my story — coming from a very disadvantaged background and being raised on a housekeeper’s salary. I carry the responsibility of representing children from similar backgrounds. My story is a beacon of hope, our nation needs,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey, Mashile said the most transformative moment during the competition was preparing for the finale.

“I’ve always been shy, so walking on stage in front of millions of people was scary for me; I did it anyway,” she admitted.

She began preparing for the competition in 2023 with the help of a life coach, who guided her mentally and emotionally through the process.
Mashile added that the unwavering support of her family and community played a crucial role in her journey.
“They consistently stood by me – from the moment I entered until after the finale. It was important for me that my community was part of my journey because I was representing them,” she said.

Looking ahead, Mashile plans to use her platform to continue making an impact in her community. A firm believer in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, she aims to promote sustainable growth and empowerment across Africa.
In 2024, she founded Ignite Unite, an initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between access and opportunity for youth in marginalised communities.

“It focuses on identity, education, entrepreneurship, and transition, helping to reduce youth unemployment rates. This will remain my priority in the coming year, together with the Miss South Africa Organisation,” Mashile explained.
Her message to young girls from Daveyton and Boksburg who dream of following in her footsteps is, “Your circumstances do not define your destiny, and the power to change your circumstances lies within you.”

Also Read: Miss Boksburg 2025 finalists announced