Latest news with #MissSouthAfrica


The Citizen
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Young Welverdiend model uses pageantry to champion mental health and social justice
Keabetsoe Nche, a passionate 19-year-old model from Welverdiend, is currently making waves as a semi-finalist in the Miss Face of Gauteng 2025 pageant. But Keabetsoe is more than just a pretty face—she's a rising voice for social justice and mental health awareness, using her platform to spark conversations that matter. In line with one of her semi-finalist tasks, Keabetsoe launched a heartfelt social media campaign titled 'JusticeForAllMinds.' The campaign explores the link between social injustice and mental health, highlighting how unfair treatment in society can deeply impact one's emotional well-being. 'This campaign reflects what I truly value. I want to show how the injustice experienced by one can affect the mental health of many,' said Keabetsoe. 'It's not just a task—it's part of who I am.' Her modelling journey began in 2021, but her passion was sparked much earlier. Inspired by fashion magazines and TV commercials, Keabetsoe saw modelling as a space where she belonged. Despite being teased about her slim body growing up, she turned those comments into confidence boosters, with people often calling her 'Miss South Africa.' Her first official pageant, Miss Carletonville 2021, was a triumph—she walked away with the Teen Winner title. This win gave her the momentum to enter more competitions, eventually earning titles such as: 2nd Princess (Teen) at Mr and Miss Exotic 2022 Miss Elite Merafong Overall Winner 2022 Miss West Rand Exclusive Semi-Finalist She's also received several modelling certificates, including awards for Best Interview, Best Theme Wear, Best Hair, and Upcoming Model—clear signs of her growing influence in the industry. Now, as a proud semi-finalist for Miss Face of Gauteng 2025, Keabetsoe is working hard to secure a spot in the grand finale scheduled for 27 September 2025. From completing tasks to participating in impactful events, she is embracing the journey with pride and purpose. 'I'm having the time of my life. Preparing for tasks, influencing others positively, and taking part in community events has been the highlight of my journey,' she shared. One such event was the NUM Mandela Day celebration at Zanele Mtshali Disability Home in Khutsong, which left a lasting impression on her. Looking ahead, Keabetsoe hopes to continue entering meaningful pageants that foster personal growth and professional development. She's also eyeing the commercial modelling world as part of her dream. 'I want to be a voice for the voiceless and inspire others—especially aspiring models and those outside the industry—to fight for their rights and believe in their worth,' she added. To make it to the finals, Keabetsoe needs your support! She is currently selling tickets at R400 each and needs more public votes to qualify for the final stage. 📲 To support her: Facebook: Keabetsoe Nche Instagram: @ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The South African
16 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
New sheriff in town? Motsepe family now control Miss SA
The Miss South Africa organisation will now be part of the Motsepe Group of Companies, owned by Patrice Motsepe, one of SA's wealthiest businessmen. The organisation recently revealed that Miss SA 2025 had been postponed to later in the year. This follows the resignation of former CEO Stephanie Weil, who stepped down earlier this month after helming the company since 2019. Earlier this month, Africa Fashion International (AFI) – the fashion partner of Miss SA – revealed that it was now the 'sister company' with the beauty pageant. 'AFI and the Miss South Africa organisation are proud members of a larger, family-owned group of companies, united by a shared vision for creativity and excellence', read a statement posted on their social media platforms. AFI was founded in 2007 by Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, the wife of billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe. The fashion empire organises events like Cape Town and Joburg Fashion Week, and manages a catalogue of African creatives through its luxury labels. Miss SA was previously owned by Sun International, a South African hotel and event conglomerate. In 2019, Sun International sold the rights to the pageant to Weil Entertainment, whose owner is CEO Stephanie Weil. Before that, the pageant was sponsored by publications including the Sunday Times, Rapport, and the now defunct Afrikaans newspaper , Die Landstem. Under the wing of AFI, the pageant will now 'embark on this strategic journey together, leveraging our unique strengths to drive growth and innovation.' Apart from Miss SA, the Motsepe family owns companies in various industry sectors, from mining to telecommunications, insurance, banking, property, and even fashion and sports. With a net worth of $3 billion (R55.35 billion), Patrice Motsepe was named South Africa's first black billionaire and the first black African to make the Forbes Richest list in 2008. South African billionaire businessman, Patrice Motsepe. Image: X @CAF Patrice is the brother of Dr Tshepo Motsepe, the wife of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

The Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald
Miss South Africa 2025 postponed due to global events
The Miss South Africa organisation has announced the postponement of the pageant to a later date in 2025. This is to ensure greater alignment with international and other global events. 'The organisation, through its affiliated companies, aims to broaden the reach and impact of the pageant and its contestants,' spokesperson Kenneth Makhanya said. 'The pillars of the organisation will be expanded to include entrepreneurship, job creation, cultural awareness and social cohesion.' The Miss SA pageant typically takes place in August. Entries for the 2025 pageant opened on April 2 and closed on April 11. Concerns have been raised about the prolonged announcement of the top 30 contestants. 'The organisers of the Miss South Africa contest are making good progress with the preparations for the contest, which will be a huge success,' the organisation said. The postponement comes after Miss SA CEO Stephanie Weil stepped down from her role earlier this month. Creative director Werner Wessels also resigned earlier this year. In May, the organisation pulled out of the Miss Supranational international competition.

IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Crown on hold: Miss SA organisation announces postponement of annual pageant
Mia le Roux, who was crowned last year in August. Changes have been made in the organisation recently, after it was revealed that the beauty pageant will no longer take place in August like the previous years. Image: Supplied SA's biggest beauty pageant has been pushed beyond August. A wave of disappointment has flooded social media after the Miss SA organisation announced that the biggest and the highly anticipated beauty pageant in Mzansi has been postponed. The prestigious national event, Miss SA, which usually takes place annually in August, has been delayed. The announcement comes after fans have been expressing their concern over the prolonged silence regarding the 2025 beauty pageant and no announcement being made about the top 30 after the applications were closed in April. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Taking to social media on Monday, July 21, the organisation officially announced and confirmed what beauty pageant enthusiasts have been anticipating: a postponement. 'The Miss South Africa Organisation today announced the postponement of Miss South Africa from August to a later date in 2025; to ensure greater alignment with international and other global events. 'The organisation, through its affiliated companies, aims to broaden the reach and impact of the pageant and its contestants,' they wrote. The organisation further added that other changes that were made include expanding it in the following areas: entrepreneurship, job creation, cultural awareness and social cohesion. In the press statement, the organisation, however, did not confirm the date on which the pageant will take place. In addition, before confirming that the beauty pageant has been pushed further back to later this year, a lot of changes were made, including prominent people in the organisation announcing their departures. Stephanie Weil, the former CEO of Miss SA announced her resignation from her position earlier this month. Werner Wessels, the former creative director of the prestigious organisation also announced his departure in January. On the other hand, African Fashion International (AFI), a fashion company, announced on July 10 that it has forged a partnership with the Miss SA organisation. The company took to Instagram to announce the news of the partnership. 'While AFI and the Miss South Africa Organisation are still separate entities, we have forged meaningful partnerships and collaboration across the organisation to promote African creativity and excellence,' they wrote. Fans flocked to the comment section as they expressed their concern over the lack of communication from the organisation. 'You know, @official_misssa, at least answer our questions!! As fans, we deserve at least this much. After Steph and Werner left, we have no confidence whatsoever in this organisation,' @hiralalljerome said. While @iblamelukas added, 'We deserve an apology because you're also messing up our social calendars. This is a yearly event we're always looking up to.' The Miss SA beauty pageant has always been a national event that every South African looks forward to. From announcing the top 30 up until the finale, this prestigious event was celebrated throughout the entire country as people looked forward to having a beauty queen represent our country. It also marked a day that would be a fashion affair, and celebrities from all over the country, including top designers, would avail themselves and grace the red carpet with their stunning outfits.


The Citizen
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
No Miss SA this August after organisers confirm postponement of beauty pageant
Earlier this month, the Miss South Africa organisation bid farewell to its former CEO, Stephanie Weil. Current Miss SA Mia Le Roux's reign will last longer as Miss SA organisation announced the postponement of beauty pageant. Picture: official_misssa/Instagram Usually held in August, during Women's Month, the Miss South Africa organisation has confirmed that the pageant will not take place next month. In a brief statement on Monday, the organisation said the postponement was to ensure 'greater alignment with international and other global events'. 'The organisation, through its affiliated companies, aims to broaden the reach and impact of the pageant and its contestants.' 'The pillars of the organisation will be expanded to include entrepreneurship, job creation, culture awareness and social cohesion.' The statement said the beauty pageant will still be hosted in 2025, with a date yet to be confirmed. ALSO READ: Miss SA withdraws from Miss Supranational 2025, chooses not to renew event license CEO leaves Miss SA Earlier this month, Miss SA bid farewell to its former CEO, Stephanie Weil. 'The organisers of Miss South Africa wish Stephanie Weil everything of the best with her new endeavours as an agreement has been reached that Ms Weil will be leaving the organisation after many years as CEO of Miss South Africa,' read the statement on the pageant's website. 'Ms Weil will be staying on for as long as is required to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership and to ensure that the best interest of the Miss South Africa organisation are served.' ALSO READ: Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala takes over Miss Supranational SA directorship after Miss SA pulled out Pulling out of Miss Supranational 2025 In May this year, the Miss SA organisation pulled out of Miss Supranational and decided not to renew its license for the event. Miss Supranational is an annual international beauty pageant that started in 2009. Most contests are held in Poland. Seven years later, a parallel male contest, Mister Supranational, was established. Traditionally, Miss SA runner-ups usually take centre stage for this international competition, while the winner represents South Africa through Miss Universe or Miss World. South Africa has been a regular participant at Miss Supranational. Many were surprised when Miss SA 2021 winner Lalela Mswane participated and went on to win the pageant in 2022. In 2023, Ayanda Thabethe, the Miss SA 2022 runner-up, represented South Africa at the Miss Supranational 2023 pageant in Poland. That year, former Miss SA Jo-Ann Strauss hosted Miss Supranational. Miss SA's decision led to Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala taking over the directorship of Miss Supranational SA. 'I feel so honoured to announce that I am the new director of Miss Supranational South Africa,' said Montjane-Tshabalala. 'The international organisation said 'we think Bokang is the right person' because I've actually been doing this for quite some time,' she said, speaking to eNCA. NOW READ: WATCH: Kayleigh Schwark and Naked DJ expecting their first child