Abenathi Cawe (23), from Regents Park, has been crowned Mr Waterfall South Africa 2025. He grew up in the streets of Johannesburg south, between Turffontein and Regents Park, and is now using his pageant journey to inspire young people to believe in themselves and take up leadership roles in their communities.

Leadership roots

He attended Diversity High School in South Hills. He describes himself as an ambitious young man who loves reading, swimming, pageant and runway modelling, and having constructive conversations that challenge leadership and community engagement.

He is also a lover of poetry and often writes and recites his own work. He is on the path to becoming a radio and TV presenter and is currently studying towards a BA in Environmental Management.

“Growing up I’ve always been in the forefront of leadership and constructive engagements,” Abenathi said. “I had the opportunity to be in the Representative Council of learners at Diversity High School, as well as being the school’s debate president.”

He credits his high school teachers for shaping his confidence and character. “I am shaped by belief, dedicated teachings and constant motivations of my high school teachers,” he shared.

“This foundation helped me to be the person that I am and have the confidence I needed to enter into the pageant modelling space and excel in it as much as I have.”

The spark of pageantry and inspiration

His love for pageant modelling began in 2019 after watching Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi.

“She said one of her many reasons she stood on that Miss Universe platform was that she wanted young children to look at her and see their faces reflected in hers,” he highlighted “That day I happened to be that young child and from that day I took it upon myself to work towards fulfilling my dream of one day standing on a global pageant platform and representing our beautiful nation with pride and confidence as she did.”

When researching the Mr and Miss Waterfall SA pageant, Abenathi felt a strong connection to its values. “I found out that it celebrates confidence, leadership, personal growth, good character, intelligence, community engagement, elegance and professionalism,” he said.

“These are core values that resonate with me, so joining the Waterfall SA pageant organisation to me was a step towards the direction of my vision and mission.”

From the moment he became a finalist, Abenathi knew the responsibility that came with the title. He explained that he had to live as a Mr Waterfall SA King even before being crowned.

This included building self-confidence, maintaining a positive mindset, and engaging in community work and charity outreach. He also collaborated with the Moeletsi Foundation, where he spoke at a modelling masterclass and took part in The Great Clean Up activities around the Johannesburg CBD.

Challenges and triumphs on the road to the crown

Abenathi openly shared the challenges he faced, especially financial ones.

“The challenge of finances remains the most problematic challenge in pageantry. The burden of financing charity drives, community projects, and competition preparations lies on you as an individual.” Despite this, he added, “Through constructive planning and collaborations, I was able to push through.”

Balancing many responsibilities requires discipline, something he learned early in life. “Being in the forefront of leadership requires one to be able to set up a constructive time management plan that is rooted in discipline,” he said, adding that this was a skill he learned in high school.

Reflecting on his crowning, Abenathi said, “I felt blessed, highly favoured and chosen to take on a mission that was far greater than myself.” He believes the title strengthens his purpose to advocate for positive leadership, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. “To me, this is more than just a title,” he said. It’s a full representation of hard work, dedication, and resilience.”

Legacy, vision and youth empowerment

He has a strong message for young people. “We are all born with the responsibility, ability as well as the duty to craft and create our own crowns,” he said. “So be bold and courageous, believe in yourself and remember to extend a helping hand to those around.”

Through his newly founded NPO, #Geleza Ntwana, Abenathi plans to promote positive leadership, the growth and well-being of the boy child, and environmental sustainability. He hopes to work with community leaders, schools, organisations, media and health facilities to build programmes focused on leadership, sports, recreation and clean-up activities.

“I am on a mission to build and live a legacy that will echo even when I’m gone. My sole purpose and mission is to promote positive leadership amongst young people.”

Looking ahead, Abenathi sees himself achieving his dream of becoming an Environmental Scientist and standing on a global pageant stage representing South Africa. He encourages others not to fear big dreams.

“If your dreams seem impossible and scare you, then you are definitely on the right path,” he said. “No dream is bigger than its dreamer.”