Meet the contestants
Tshiamo Setlhare is a 26-year-old occupational therapist from Mahikeng who aims to leverage the Miss World platform to raise awareness about mental health. “Mental health is a basic human right for all people,” she asserts. Her ambition is to advocate for human rights, especially for underprivileged communities, believing that Miss World can help her achieve this.
Thembelihle Mnguni is an electrical engineering student from Gauteng who has served as a mentor at the African Leadership Academy. The 25-year-old's project “Shining Hope” seeks to combat load-shedding by implementing sustainable energy solutions. “By harnessing renewable energy, we can empower communities,” she explains.
Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg at just 18 works as a digital and marketing executive for Scuderia Ferrari South Africa. Her project, “Never Too Young to Advocate,” aims to enhance youth visibility and voice through social media. “I believe I have the qualities to bring back the Miss World crown for South Africa,” she says passionately.
Ximiyeto Makhubele is a tech developer from Limpopo. Ximiyeto's project “Youth Empowerment Through Education” focuses on integrating technology into education. “We need to equip young people with the skills necessary for success in the digital age,” she states.
Romanda Hombi is 25-year-old clinical audiologist from Mpumalanga, who founded the Feed Organisation which provides essential services to the homeless. She aims to influence healthcare policies and ensure access to quality services for all. “I wish to ensure that all healthcare services are mobile to allow easier accessibility,” she notes.
Nande Mabala is a model and social entrepreneur. Her project “Go Green SA” uses agriculture to teach students soft skills while contributing to environmental sustainability. “We are creating leaders and change-makers,” she says of her initiative.
Lynique Odendaal is a music therapist from Gauteng. Her project “Freedom Inspired to Amplify Hope” advocates for vulnerable children. “Every child deserves to feel safe and loved,” she asserts, highlighting her commitment to addressing childhood trauma.
Jesmika Singh is a Master’s student at UCT who focuses on breast cancer research through her project “Education Meets the Development of Breast Cancer Research”. “I aim to amplify awareness and support for improved educational resources,” she explains, with hopes of establishing a research hub. She wants to become a scientist of international repute and discover a cure for breast cancer.
Amber Marais is a 22-year-old hockey coach who believes her participation will foster personal growth. “Sport is such an important part of South African culture,” she states, emphasising her dedication to empowering youth through athletics.
Neo Nkhumane is a communications lecturer. Her project “Beyond Borders” seeks to address teenage pregnancy through education. “We need to empower young women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health,” she emphasises.
Bouwer said: “I am excited about the second edition of Miss World South Africa. The finalists are just sublime and we wish them all success as we know they are primed to be successful leaders of the future.”
TimesLIVE
From Ferrari marketing exec to engineering student: Miss World SA finalists
They are 'just sublime and we wish them all success'
Multimedia reporter
Image: Miss World South Africa
The Miss World South Africa competition is gearing up for its much-anticipated return this Saturday at Sun City, North West Province. This year marks the second instalment of the pageant led by president and licence owner Carol Bouwer.
Bouwer says the competition aims to empower, inspire leadership and amplify the voices of young women on a global scale. For more than seven decades, the Miss World organisation has championed its “Beauty with a Purpose” initiative, focusing on raising funds for causes that help disadvantaged and disabled children.
The competition features 10 dynamic contestants, each vying for the crown previously held by Dr Claude Mashego, the inaugural Miss World South Africa, who made a remarkable showing in the Miss World pageant in India this year.
Image: Miss World South Africa
Meet the contestants
Tshiamo Setlhare is a 26-year-old occupational therapist from Mahikeng who aims to leverage the Miss World platform to raise awareness about mental health. “Mental health is a basic human right for all people,” she asserts. Her ambition is to advocate for human rights, especially for underprivileged communities, believing that Miss World can help her achieve this.
Thembelihle Mnguni is an electrical engineering student from Gauteng who has served as a mentor at the African Leadership Academy. The 25-year-old's project “Shining Hope” seeks to combat load-shedding by implementing sustainable energy solutions. “By harnessing renewable energy, we can empower communities,” she explains.
Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg at just 18 works as a digital and marketing executive for Scuderia Ferrari South Africa. Her project, “Never Too Young to Advocate,” aims to enhance youth visibility and voice through social media. “I believe I have the qualities to bring back the Miss World crown for South Africa,” she says passionately.
Ximiyeto Makhubele is a tech developer from Limpopo. Ximiyeto's project “Youth Empowerment Through Education” focuses on integrating technology into education. “We need to equip young people with the skills necessary for success in the digital age,” she states.
Romanda Hombi is 25-year-old clinical audiologist from Mpumalanga, who founded the Feed Organisation which provides essential services to the homeless. She aims to influence healthcare policies and ensure access to quality services for all. “I wish to ensure that all healthcare services are mobile to allow easier accessibility,” she notes.
Nande Mabala is a model and social entrepreneur. Her project “Go Green SA” uses agriculture to teach students soft skills while contributing to environmental sustainability. “We are creating leaders and change-makers,” she says of her initiative.
Lynique Odendaal is a music therapist from Gauteng. Her project “Freedom Inspired to Amplify Hope” advocates for vulnerable children. “Every child deserves to feel safe and loved,” she asserts, highlighting her commitment to addressing childhood trauma.
Jesmika Singh is a Master’s student at UCT who focuses on breast cancer research through her project “Education Meets the Development of Breast Cancer Research”. “I aim to amplify awareness and support for improved educational resources,” she explains, with hopes of establishing a research hub. She wants to become a scientist of international repute and discover a cure for breast cancer.
Amber Marais is a 22-year-old hockey coach who believes her participation will foster personal growth. “Sport is such an important part of South African culture,” she states, emphasising her dedication to empowering youth through athletics.
Neo Nkhumane is a communications lecturer. Her project “Beyond Borders” seeks to address teenage pregnancy through education. “We need to empower young women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health,” she emphasises.
Bouwer said: “I am excited about the second edition of Miss World South Africa. The finalists are just sublime and we wish them all success as we know they are primed to be successful leaders of the future.”
TimesLIVE
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