For over two decades, the Miss Earth South Africa organisation has stood as a beacon of sustainability, leadership and female empowerment.

Now in its 22nd year of grassroots environmental work, the programme continues to inspire change by nurturing young women as ambassadors for people and the planet.

The 2025 winners have been announced and will continue the greening work for the following year.

Miss Earth South Africa 2025 is Ekurhuleni’s Jenique Botha; the first runner-up is Brilliant Dzavana from Tzaneen, Limpopo; the second runner-up is Tshiamo Morare from Atteridgeville, Tshwane; and Mpho Moleya from Midrand is the third runner-up.

Jenique, a 22-year-old student at the North West University, is studying her LLB and is a BCom Law graduate.

“I am honoured to carry this title and look forward to championing the organisation’s sustainability and climate programmes as we continue to charter a new chapter together,” said Jenique.

Hosted by the Thaba Eco Hotel, with support from sponsors and partners Skin Renewal SA, Cathay Pacific, Samsonite, Brand South Africa, Newsclip, and 321 Technical Systems, these environmental ambassadors will represent SA after proving themselves worthy through their school projects, educational workshops, community outreach work and vegetable garden initiatives.

“This title does not come without responsibility, and these young ladies are committed to serving people and planet. It is an opportunity for them to actively participate in protecting and preserving our planet. We need passionate people to take on this fight,” said Miss Earth SA educational director Ella Bella Leite.

With a sponsored flight from Cathay Pacific, the winner will represent SA at the international Miss Earth in the Philippines in November, where she will showcase the work done here in SA to combat climate change, food insecurity, ocean and river health and waste management and bring attention to recycling and waste in schools.

The international Miss Earth is the globe’s third-largest pageant, focusing on beauty with a cause, inspiring global environmental consciousness and climate advocacy.

Catherine Constantinides, the executive director of the programme, shared her thoughts on the significance of the moment, “This programme proves that sustainability and women’s empowerment are two sides of the same coin.

When young women lead environmental change, communities shift and narratives evolve. Empowered women are not only changemakers, they are earth-shakers.”

Reuben Louw, the Thaba Eco Hotel CEO, expressed pride in hosting this year’s announcement, “The Thaba Eco Hotel was the perfect choice for this celebration. From our solar farms to water conservation and advanced waste management systems, sustainability is not just a value; it’s a way of life here. I’ve always admired Catherine Constantinides and Ella Bella Leite for the work they’ve done for the environment and communities, and for empowering women over the past 22 years. We are proud partners of the Miss Earth South Africa announcement.”

With these partners, the pageant continues to drive a message of hope, action and sustainable change, one empowered woman at a time.

This year’s winner receives some awesome prizes which includes luggage from Samsonite, a longtime partner of the programme, a handbag and shoes from Europa Art, David Green Eyewear glasses, Silver Lining Gumboots for her clean-ups and plantings, skincare treatments from Skin Renewal SA for the year of her reign and from Lamelle South Africa, professional styling and haircare products from Lanza, gifts from Bio Sculpture, clothing from Nicci Boutique, jeans from Lee Cooper SA, a fully paid international trip, evening dresses sponsored by New Romantics, and a national costume designed by The Duchess.

Special thanks go to Kryolan Professional Make-Up and Lanza, who took care of the finalists.