LIMPOPO – Gender-based violence (GBV) activist Tiyani Vukeya (25) from Mulamula village near Giyani has been crowned runner-up in the Miss Bachelorette South Africa 2025 pageant. The final event was held recently at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg.

Vukeya, who advocates passionately for the rights of abuse survivors, expressed her joy and relief at the outcome. “I’m especially excited for the journey ahead,” she told the Herald. Reflecting on the evening, she said the swimwear segment stood out as her highlight.

Read more: GBV activist competes for Miss Bachelorette title

“It was my first time doing a swimwear walk. Usually, I’m afraid of crowds, and I stutter when I speak in front of people. But that day, everything went well, I was confident, and I spoke well,” she said.

Using her platform, Vukeya plans to intensify her activism against GBV. “The way we raise and nurture our children shapes who they become. By promoting a healthy upbringing, we can prevent harmful attitudes that lead to violence,” she said.

She added that many children suffer abuse in silence. “We must raise awareness and educate parents and communities on the importance of protecting our children.”

Her parents, Lawrence and Grace Vukeya, were present at the event and expressed their pride. “We are happy to see our daughter shining on such a great platform,” said her father. “She is our firstborn and sets a good example for her siblings. We’ve supported her from day one and wish her all the best.”

Vukeya holds an advanced diploma in accounting from the Vaal University of Technology and an advanced certificate in financial planning from Mancosa. She currently works in the legal sector as an administrator.

Beginning this month, she will also co-present a weekend radio show, The Youth Corner, with Hlulani Mayimele on Johannesburg-based VMC Planet Radio.