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Miss SA's Nompumelelo Maduna's bold and sexy style

Nompumelelo Maduna has proven herself more than just the Miss South Africa runner up. South Africa's first princess is regarded as a civil society activist passionate about women empowerment, youth upliftment and the environment, having previously won titles like Miss Earth 2021. The pageant princess is also a corporate babe and an avid runner, showing off all sides to her. Having just hit the milestone of turning 30, Nompumelelo's expressive personality is clearly seen through her personal style, one she describes as slightly conservative with a little bit of sexy flair. 'And bold is something that I always go for,' she tells TRUELOVE. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nompumelelo Sweli Maduna (@missmaduna) Whether it's expertly curated pageant photoshoots or a wholesome appearance, Nompumelelo experiments with daring sheer fabrics, tailored pieces and bold tones in her personal style. She dives into her fashion evolution and what influences her style. How would you describe your personal style? 'I think style has evolved and I think it's really what we make of it at the time. 'So, for me, I reference a lot of Devil Wears Prada. Ugh, I love Meryl Streep in that [movie]. If I can accentuate something simple with a bit of drama, then I do it. And it's also coupled by the presence of my humanity. The way I want to be perceived, the way I want to feel confident when I walk into a room. Especially in a corporate environment, I want to be that boss babe. The girl who's got it, focused, knows what's the next question, let's rock.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nompumelelo Sweli Maduna (@missmaduna) What colours do you love against your skin tone? 'I wore the colour just a few weeks ago when we were shooting and it's skin tone. I feel that it's a bit daring and different. Kim Kardashian made me comfortable with it. But, I don't know, I haven't really felt comfortable enough but there's something about neutrals lately that I've really loved. I'm actually thinking of doing my 30th celebration as a bohemian neutral colour party.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss South Africa (@official_misssa) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nompumelelo Sweli Maduna (@missmaduna) Who are some locals designers you love working with? 'So, I've worked with Rich Mnisi on one of the biggest platforms I've ever had in my life. Walking Richi Mnisi at a L'Oreal Paris fashion show in Cape Town. Yoh, I didn't think such things were real, so I'm really honoured that I got that exposure. And ja, I wouldn't be able to ask for any better. And I think Rich Mnisi is an evolving designer and has really gone outside of the borders of this country and represented not only himself but our talent. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nompumelelo Sweli Maduna (@missmaduna) 'And I think another person is MaXhosa. It's so great to see us tap into our culture and be creative with our own rooted natural culture, and that's so beautiful to see. I mean, I can't afford anything, I'll buy a pair of socks now and again!' When it comes to some of the official photoshoots that you do with Miss SA, are you involved in the styling at all? 'I miss Werner, I must say. Werner - very, very, very, Papa Bear. We call him Papa Bear, Werner Wessels (former Miss SA creative designer). And Werner would style and make you look like a bombshell. But I also really, really can't live out my mom. Yoh, my mom is really great at styling. And as well, the Miss South Africa Organisation, they've got a collective of beautiful garments and accessories. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nompumelelo Sweli Maduna (@missmaduna) 'What I've really loved about being here at the organisation is the freedom to operate and to really, really be yourself and if you want to have a bit of fun with something, you just execute and you ask and you just do it and that support has just been absolutely incredible. As well as my manager, I mean Stephanie [Brookes] sometimes styles me at these shoots and it's incredible to see a talent in someone, as well, come alive in a different space, so it's really been cool.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss South Africa (@official_misssa) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss South Africa (@official_misssa) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss South Africa (@official_misssa)