A new Miss Mpumalanga takes the reins
The new queen is a University of North West alumna and a qualified national hockey umpire.
A new queen has made her community proud by being crowned Miss Mpumalanga 2025.
Malibongwe Mkhwanazi is 23 years old and hails from the Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality. She was crowned at the Communio Auditorium on Saturday, March 15.
“This journey has been life changing, and I am grateful to have been part of something so special; 15 years of young women’s dreams being nurtured and them being empowered to rise to their own power,” she said.
The MEC for economic development, Makhosazane Masilela, took to social media to congratulate Mkhwanazi.
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She said: “We congratulate Malibongwe as she embarks on her new journey. The newly crowned Miss Mpumalanga walks away with a brand-new Audi A1, a bursary from the Office of the Premier, a fully furnished apartment and beauty products from Sasekile Cosmetics. She will also assume the role of being an ambassador for responsible drinking and gambling.”
Mkhwanazi holds a marketing qualification from the University of North West. She is also a qualified national hockey umpire. However, the pageant world is nothing new to her as she was crowned Miss Teen Volksrust in 2017.
She is passionate about youth empowerment through sports and creating equal opportunities for young people.
“I have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of sports in building confidence, discipline and resilience,” she said.
Last year’s Miss Mpumalanga, Bajabulise Thela, handed over the crown to the new winner and shared a congratulatory message.
She said: “Carry this crown with so much pride and embrace it. I wish you all the best with your new journey. May God carry you and bless you abundantly.”
