The excitement surrounding the Miss SA 2025 Top 10 finalists has been overshadowed by serious allegations against Bridgett Jones, the Western Cape representative from Bridgetown, Athlone. Jones has been publicly accused of workplace bullying by Kayla Jenecker, founder of the Miss Mitchells Plain beauty pageant.
Jenecker took to TikTok in a three-part series to share her experience, claiming she was bullied for two years while working alongside Jones.
“Miss SA, what’s happening?? I just saw that one of your Top tens is the girl that bullied me at my workplace? Bridgett Jones? I am so shocked!” Jenecker said, sharing a photo of herself with Jones from their time together.
@kayla_jenecker @official_misssouthafrica 📢📢📢📢 #saynotobullying #takeastand #enoughisenough ♬ original sound – Kayla Jenecker
Allegations of Workplace Harassment
Jenecker alleges that the bullying intensified after she secured a R1.5 million deal, which transformed what she described as a previously positive working environment into a toxic one.
“Bridgett Jones is part of the group that started to bully me. They excluded me from chats, gossiping about me, making fun of my heels, my makeup, isolating me during lunches… it was chaos,” she said.
The TikTok clips also highlighted the mental and physical toll the harassment took on Jenecker. Experts say such experiences often have long-lasting effects, including depression, anxiety, and even physical health issues. Social media users drew parallels to the tragic case of grade 10 pupil Lufuno Mavhunga, who took her life after being bullied.
@kayla_jenecker @official_misssouthafrica #saynotobullying #workplacebullying #takingastand ♬ original sound – Kayla Jenecker
A Pattern in Miss SA History?
This is not the first time Miss SA finalists have been caught up in bullying controversies. In 2023, Levern José, a Top 12 finalist, withdrew after being exposed on X for past bullying in high school. Other former finalists like Bianca Schoombe, Zizile Mthembu, and Oneida Cooper faced similar allegations, resulting in withdrawal from the competition.
Social media discussions have reignited debates on whether pageant organisations are adequately vetting contestants for their character and past behaviour. Many argue that contestants represent more than beauty—they embody leadership, professionalism, and integrity.
Miss SA Organisation Response
As of publication, the Miss SA organisation has not responded to requests for comment. The controversy raises questions about how the organisation plans to address these allegations and whether past behaviour should influence eligibility in the competition.
Pageant observers note that the stakes are high: Miss SA finalists are seen as role models, and allegations like these can have reputational implications for the organisation and the contestants involved.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: MSN
