Sanele ready to step into the new year to inspire even more change
Sanele Khuzwayo has spent 2025 building confidence in others through her pageants, Face of Rabie Ridge and Miss and Mr Rovers, while earning recognition of her own.
It has been a year of triumph, growth, and resilience for Sanele Khuzwayo, the passionate founder of the Face of Rabie Ridge and Miss and Mr Rovers pageants.
As 2025 draws to a close, Sanele is celebrating not only her personal milestones but also the impact her initiatives continue to make among the youth of Rabie Ridge and its surroundings.
Speaking to the Midrand Reporter, Khuzwayo said she was grateful for the opportunity to share her journey with the community that has supported her since day one. “First of all, I would love to thank the Midrand Reporter for giving me this platform to share my highlights so that our stories can be heard,” she said.
Read more: Digital trailblazers gather in Midrand for the 2025 Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards
Khuzwayo admits that 2025 came with its challenges, hosting two major pageants in one year tested her leadership and endurance, but the rewards were worth it. Her dedication earned her two trophies and certificates for Director of the Year and Organisation of the Year at the Uzuri UA Pageantry Awards.
“It wasn’t always easy leading different personalities and managing two events in one year,” she reflected. “But seeing everything come together and watching our young contestants grow in confidence made it all worthwhile.”
She expressed heartfelt appreciation to the parents and sponsors who continue to believe in her vision of empowering young people through pageantry. “To the parents who encouraged their children to join Face of Rabie Ridge, thank you. And to my sponsors, thank you for helping me grow and keep the pageants alive,” she said.
Also read: WIT Awards light way for South Africa’s tech future
Looking ahead to 2026, Khuzwayo hopes to take her events to even greater heights by expanding to a larger, more central venue that can accommodate participants from across the region. “I believe it’s time to move to a bigger space. Our models come from different places, and I want the main event to reflect that diversity.”
As the festive season approaches, she also shared a heartfelt message with the community. “I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other so we can all step into 2026 with love and gratitude.”
Khuzwayo continues to shine a spotlight on local talent and create opportunities for young people to believe in themselves.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
