Pageant queen representing Mpumalanga crowned the new Miss Inspire
Ndaba hopes to empower and uplift her community through her foundation that she founded in 2023.
A young woman’s dream of being a pageant queen and sparking change in her community came true as she was crowned the 2025 Miss Inspire.
Portia Ndaba (27), a beautician and safety watcher by profession, represented the province in Benoni on March 29.
She was the recipient of a R20 000 cash prize.
“When I made it to the top five, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. It was a validation of all the hard work and dedication I’d put in.
I remember feeling a mix of emotions, and thinking ‘yes, I can do this’. It was a turning point for me, and I knew I had a chance to make it to the top,” she said.
She reflected on the competition, saying it was both tough and exhilarating.
“The competition had talented individuals vying for the top spot. It pushed me to grow and learn. I had to dig deep and find the strength to keep going, even when it felt like the odds were against me,” Ndaba said.
As the host announced her as the winner, Ndaba said she remembers standing in shock trying to process what was happening.
“I felt a rush of emotions. Shock, joy and gratitude encompassed me. I remember screaming with excitement while tears of happiness streamed down my face.
It was a moment of pure elation. All the sacrifices, late nights and early mornings had paid off. It was an incredible feeling,” she said.
In 2023, she founded the Portia Ndaba Foundation, which aims to empower women and young girls to reach their full potential.
The foundation has an initiative called ’empowerHer’ that challenges systematic barriers, creating a world where women can live with dignity and equality.
According to Ndaba, she will use her platform to make a positive impact in her community by working on initiatives that support education, empowerment and social justice.
“I want to inspire and motivate others to take action, to make a difference and to create lasting change. I am committed to using my voice and influence to drive meaningful conversations and to bring people together for a common cause,” she said.
