Two young stars from Parys have captured the hearts of the Sedibeng region by walking away with top titles at this year’s prestigious Miss Sedibeng 2025 pageant. Charlotte Malberhe was crowned Miss Sedibeng 2025, while her younger sister, Leonel Riekert, earned the title of First Princess for Little Miss Sedibeng 2025.

Charlotte and Leonel agree that they had not entered the competition with the goal of winning but rather with a shared mission: to make a meaningful difference in their community. “It was about giving back, learning, and growing – not just competing,” says Charlotte.

A journey beyond crowns
The Sedibeng Pageant is more than just a beauty competition – it focuses on community upliftment, personal development, and social responsibility. Contestants are guided through a rich and engaging process that prepares them for more than just the spotlight.

Charlotte and Leonel’s journey began at the preliminary event, where all finalists were carefully selected. From there, they participated in several key experiences that shaped their understanding of what the pageant truly represents.

One such event was the Health and Wellness Day, where they spent time with inspiring speakers who reminded the finalists about the real purpose behind the competition – to grow in confidence, to give back, and to shine regardless of the final result.

Another standout experience was Charity Day, which saw the finalists visiting both the Vereeniging Alliance for Street Children and the SASSA Old Age Home. There, they donated much-needed goods and spent meaningful time with residents. “It was truly heartwarming,” said Charlotte. “Those moments reminded us why we started this journey in the first place.”

As part of the pageant’s media awareness efforts, the girls also took part in social media promotions, actively supporting and showcasing their sponsors while sharing updates and messages of empowerment with their growing audience.

The Glamorous Gala
The pageant culminated in a dazzling Gala Day, hosted at the Barnyard Theatre in Vereeniging, kicking off with a vibrant opening scene, where all contestants appeared on stage together in a beautifully choreographed performance. This was followed by the casual wear ramp walk, where contestants dressed in all black and wore their official finalist sashes. During this round, each participant also delivered a short on-stage introduction, formally presenting themselves to the audience and judges.

After a quick wardrobe change, the finalists returned to the stage in their elegant evening gowns, ready for the final and most anticipated moment – the crowning ceremony.

When the final results were announced, emotions ran high. Charlotte’s crowning as Miss Sedibeng 2025, along with Leonel’s title as First Princess for Little Miss Sedibeng, marked not only a proud moment for their family, but also for the entire Parys community.