A Missed Fairytale
The 67th Miss South Africa pageant crowned Qhawekazi Mazaleni as the winner on October 25 at SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria, but not everyone was celebrating. Multi-media personality Somizi Mhlongo took to social media to share his unfiltered take on the event, highlighting what he feels was missing in this year’s production.
“Beauty pageants are supposed to give you that magical, whimsical feel,” Mhlongo explained. “It’s an unrealistic world reflecting real-life ambitions, but the production should be an Alice in Wonderland type of thing. The grand opening is supposed to be grand, aesthetically, visually. The past few years, that’s been lost.”
@somg63
Fashion Under the Microscope
The fashion element, a core part of any pageant, drew sharp criticism from the former Idols SA judge. “They used five established South African designers. I liked the work, but it felt restricted. The gowns didn’t have that finale impact. I want to see that Cinderella moment, the ball, the magic.”
Mhlongo also scrutinized the contestants. “During the mission statement presentations, I was impressed—the girls are intelligent. But the on-the-spot questions? I didn’t get that think on your toes response. There’s a search for a Zozibini moment, but it didn’t come this year.”
Hosting Glitches and Missed Moments
Presenters Nomalanga Shozi and Pamela Mtanga were under Mhlongo’s microscope as well. While Shozi’s opening gown was praised as “immaculate,” he felt the stage could have showcased it more. “We were robbed of that moment. The dresses kept going down in impact after that.”
Technical issues compounded the problem. “You cannot put a teleprompter on the side of the presenter. At home, we wanted to connect with her, and we missed that,” Mhlongo said, acknowledging Shozi’s first-time nerves while urging grace and support for her growth in future events.
Music Missed Its Mark
Even performances from award-winning Makhadzi, Ciza, Lordkez, Langa Mavuso, and others drew criticism. “What a waste of amazing vocalists. That song wasn’t it, and it didn’t go anywhere. Then the 100-strong choir—I could not hear them,” Mhlongo commented, emphasizing a disconnect between talent and stage execution.
The Bonang Benchmark
Somizi compared the pressures of hosting Miss SA to past heavyweights like Bonang Matheba and Nomzamo Mbatha, noting the extraordinary investment required to truly shine. “Bonang would rather spend R150k of her own money on a gig than not be 800,000 percent great. That’s why she stands out. Hosting isn’t just showing up—it’s giving every ounce of yourself.”
@somg63
A Call for Improvement
Despite his critiques, Mhlongo offered constructive feedback: “Shozi deserves another chance. Next year, she’ll be better.” His commentary reflects not just the expectations for South Africa’s flagship pageant, but the cultural desire for glamour, spectacle, and inspirational moments that lift both contestants and audiences.
As social media buzzes with agreement and debate, one thing is clear: South Africans still crave the magic of a pageant that combines beauty, brains, and bold stagecraft, a true fairytale experience.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: African Insider
