Miss South Africa 2025 Pageant Confirms Event Will Proceed Despite Rumours

Charles Esther

2 weeks ago

Rumours have circulated suggesting that the 2025 Miss South Africa pageant has been cancelled following a change in ownership.

Organisers, however, insist that the event will go ahead, even though no official date has yet been announced.

Resignation of Former CEO

The speculation emerged after former CEO Stephanie Weil resigned.

Weil had led the company since 2019 before stepping down recently.

The pageant has not yet revealed its Top 30 finalists for the 2025 edition.

Miss SA organisers confirmed this week that the pageant will take place later in 2025.

Spokesperson Kenneth Makhanya said: “That’s not correct” in reference to rumours of cancellation.

A press statement last month indicated that the event would be held later in 2025 to align with international and other global pageant schedules.

Organisers stated the pageant will be rebranded to include a focus on entrepreneurship, job creation, cultural awareness, and social cohesion.

They aim to broaden the reach and impact of the pageant and its contestants.

The Miss SA organisation is now part of the Motsepe Group of Companies, owned by billionaire Patrice Motsepe.

Africa Fashion International (AFI), the pageant’s fashion partner, was also integrated as a “sister company” of Miss SA.

AFI is led by Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Patrice Motsepe’s wife.

Previously, the pageant was owned by Stephanie Weil’s Weil Entertainment, following Sun International’s tenure.

South Africans are questioning who will represent the country at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand on 21 November.

If a new Miss SA is not crowned in time, reigning queen Mia Le Roux is unlikely to compete again.

Last year, Mia Le Roux, who is partially deaf, withdrew from Miss Universe during preliminary stages due to health reasons.

Organisers are inviting public opinion on whether the Miss SA pageant has run its course.