A moment that lit up screens across Mzansi
When the final question round of the Miss South Africa 2025 competition aired, the three finalists stepped into the spotlight. For many viewers at home, the staging was flawless, but once the answers began to drop on social media, the conversation swung fast—not just about who would wear the crown, but how they answered, how they spoke, and how they presented themselves.
Meet the finalists: Qhawekazi, Luyanda, and Karabo
In this edition of the pageant, the last standing contenders were Qhawekazi Mazaleni, Luyanda Zuma, and Karabo Mareka. Qhawekazi emerged as the winner. The video of their final-round answers went viral via TikTok and Instagram, and it quickly became clear that the audience wasn’t just comparing content—they were comparing tone, delivery, and what felt genuine.
When authenticity became the talking point
One of the most repeated lines in viewers’ comments was “Her fake accent was annoying.” In particular, Luyanda drew mention for what some felt was an overly rehearsed tone, while Karabo was critiqued for suggesting that a university degree was not essential. Qhawekazi’s more direct, grounded answer about empowering young people with the tools they already have resonated widely and seemed to give her the edge in the public’s view.
Cultural context: speaking with South African rhythms
This debate speaks to a deeper interest in how South Africans express themselves on big stages. In a country where language and identity weave together—between English, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Afrikaans, and more—the way one answers a national question matters. Viewers were not just listening to words. They were listening to cadence, authenticity, and whether someone felt rooted in their own story.
Social media lit up
The responses poured in. One user said Luyanda sounded “too rehearsed and iconic,” while another praised Qhawekazi’s “natural hair, confidence, and authenticity.” Karabo also found supporters who said her lived-reality answer hit home. Ultimately, the debate wasn’t just about who won. It became about who seemed real, relatable, and ready to carry the title beyond the stage.
@news_livesa Miss SA Top 3 Karabo Mareka Luyanda Zuma Qhawekazi Mazaleni #MissSA2025 #newsstories ♬ original sound – news_liveSA
Why this matters for the crown beyond the crown
Representing South Africa means more than wearing a sash. It means being a figure who speaks for young people, shows leadership, and reflects the audience’s values. With the public so tuned in to how candidates spoke and carried themselves, the final question became less of a formality and more of a spotlight on character. The verdict in Mzansi wasn’t just about content; it was about connection.
The takeaway: presentation meets authenticity
For those watching this pageant and attention-focused rounds from now on, the lesson is clear. It is no longer enough to answer well. How you answer, how you connect, and how you come across as someone genuine doing more than memorising lines matter. In a landscape of millions of viewers and instant social media feedback implying substance, perfect wording is only part of the equation.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: Instagram
