For over four decades, the Miss Soweto pageant has shone a spotlight on courageous, strong, and intelligent women. Since 1979, 45 queens have claimed the crown, including Basetsana Kumalo, Augustine Masilela Chuene, Doris Msibi, Lerato Kganyago, Paige Harvey, and reigning queen Mbali Khumalo. Who will follow in their footsteps this year?
The Top 20 finalists in the 2025 White Star Miss Soweto pageant were announced this week at a celebration in Johannesburg — a fun and empowering event, featuring inspiring stories, tasty cuisine, and, naturally, a touch of glamour. Here, these aspiring queens introduce themselves in their own words, sharing why they feel they deserve to be named the next Miss Soweto at the pageant’s glittering finale on November 29 in Soweto.
Before Bongi Mlotshwa, the mother of actor Enhle Mbali, became the go-to makeup artists for TV shows The River, Generations: The Legacy and Muvhango, her journey started at Miss Soweto in 1987.
The now 55-year-old, with a career in the beauty industry spanning 38 years, didn’t win then but she placed first runner-up. It was Augustine Masilela-Chuene who won and was named Miss Soweto.
Mlotshwa has gone on to achieve great success, winning a Safta (SA Film and Television Awards), and yesterday afternoon inspired the top 20 finalists of the 46th White Star Miss Soweto with her words of wisdom at the Country Club Johannesburg in Auckland Park.
The announcement soirée, hosted in partnership with Sowetan S Mag, was attended by Lesley Mofokeng, Craig Jacobs, Lucia Mthiyane and TT Mbha. Last year’s winner, Mbali Khumalo, was also present.
This year’s Miss Soweto top 20 finalists are Nonjabulo Xaba, Kayla Khayakazi Maseko, Phiwe Angela Cugege, Lehlohonolo Ralesenyeho, Paballo Makomoreng, Boitumelo Molotsane, Lungile Siyaphi, Kutlwano Zingitwa, Lindiwe Nkwanyana, Tiana Thakral, Anele Moyo, Amogelang Keketso Legodi, Valentina Makhubu, Karabo Mphelo, Maite Mogano, Nosipho Mavuso, Octavia Matshidiso Mashaba, Thando Motha, Dimpho Rhandzu Nkosi and Paballo Kobuoe.
“I remember feeling very scared the first day we had rehearsals but I learnt a lot from the other ladies to a point where we formed a sisterhood that made me feel included,” said Cugege, 20.
“The journey in this competition helped me to grow and step outside my comfort zone, especially with all the emotions that I had raging all over the place.
“This is why I’m going to champion mental health should I win the title. There’s a lack of support groups for people with depression in my community. With my platform, I’m going to help facilitate workshops that will help them see beyond Soweto.”
Maseko, 20, from Orlando East, entered Miss Soweto first as a joke. “My mom was Little Miss Soweto in the 1970s, I thought, ‘Why not?’,” she said.
“Growing up in Soweto and seeing all that needs to be done promoted my interest to enter Miss Soweto. I plan to open a shelter for women and children who have experienced GBV, being an individual who has seen and experienced it as well.”
