WATCH: Glenanda’s rising star crowned Little Miss Africa South Africa Gauteng 2025
A talented young ballerina from Glenanda has been crowned Little Miss South Africa Gauteng 2025, earning several awards along the way.
Glenanda’s Khwanazile Sthandazile Malambe has captured hearts and headlines after being crowned Little Miss Africa South Africa Gauteng 2025 at the Barnyard Theatre, Menlyn Mall, on August 2.
The 10-year-old shone on stage and also walked away with a string of awards, including best social media influencer, best charity, the public choice award, and sponsor challenge winner, proving that her talent, advocacy, and heart for community set her apart.
Inspired by her mother
Malambe’s love for pageantry started when she was six years old, inspired by watching her mother compete.
“I went to my mom’s pageant once, where she was modelling. I saw her and I said, Mama, I want to do this, I want to be like you,” recalls Malambe.
“She told me it was going to be hard, but I said, I can do it, Mama.”
Her mother, Basani, admits she was hesitant at first.
“I knew how tough the industry could be, and I wasn’t sure I wanted her to go through that,” she explained. “But once I saw her passion and her advocacy against bullying and body shaming, I realised she had a purpose bigger than the crown.”
A crown and so much more
For Malambe, winning the title was an emotional experience.
@comaro.chronicleThe 10-year-old shone on stage and also walked away with a string of awards, including best social media influencer, best charity, the public choice award, and sponsor challenge winner, proving that her talent, advocacy, and heart for community set her apart.♬ original sound – Comaro Chronicle
“I was so happy I wanted to cry,” she said.
“I was thanking my family and God for this opportunity.”
Among her many awards, she treasures best charity and best social media influencer most.
“Being involved in charity makes me happy. I love cleaning the environment and helping others. Social media also makes me proud because I work hard on my videos and vlogs,” she explained.
Her charity work, done through her organisation Bakwazi Hands of Compassion, includes school shoe drives, distributing clothes, donating a wheelchair in her grandmother’s village, supporting Door of Hope, and raising awareness against bullying and body shaming.
Ballet and balance
Beyond pageantry, Malambe has been doing ballet for five years at Dancelt Studios in Glenanda, a passion that has shaped her confidence and stage presence.
@comaro.chronicleGlenanda’s Khwanazile Sthandazile Malambe has captured hearts and headlines after being crowned Little Miss Africa South Africa Gauteng 2025 at the Barnyard Theatre, Menlyn Mall, on August 2.
“Ballet taught her posture, etiquette, discipline, and confidence,” her mother said.
“Even backstage, she knows how to prepare herself; ballet has really made her independent.”
Her ability to balance school, dance, and pageantry comes down to discipline and structure.
“We have a schedule, and I make sure she also rests. It’s not just about crowns; it’s about resilience, balance, and knowing her worth,” her mother explained.
A voice for other children
Malambe uses her platform to advocate for anti-bullying and body positivity.
“I don’t want children to feel bad about their bodies or skin colour. I want them to be happy and loved,” she said.
“Nobody will be bullied on my watch.”
Her confidence and ability to articulate herself have often surprised those around her.
“She sometimes speaks like a teenager,” her mom laughed.
“But that’s because we’ve always encouraged her to express herself and stand up for what she believes in.”
Looking ahead
This December, Malambe will take to the runway at the South African Kids Fashion Week after being scouted via social media.
It’s a step closer to her dream of becoming a successful, multi-talented model.
“I want to be very successful and explore beyond my limits,” she said with determination.
Her mother beams with pride: “She has already shown that pageantry isn’t just about beauty; it’s about making a difference. The crown is a cherry on top.”
