MISS South Africa Top 10 finalist Qhawe Mazaleni thanks Mzansi for the love and support she's been receiving.
The 23-year-old beauty queen from Dutywa in the Eastern Cape said she couldn't believe she was chosen as part of this year's Top 10.
Qhawe is a speech therapist, a master's student and kids' books author.
"We are in the top 10 of Miss South Africa. That sentence by itself does not sound real. And I'm filled with so much gratitude. That sentence does not sound real.
"I am in the Top 10 of Miss South Africa. I'm filled with so much gratitude. And it feels like such a fitting time," she said.
The content creator said she recently cut her hair - a sign that something was coming.
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"I cut my hair in June, as you can see, and I feel like it. I've said this before, it brings out my features so, so much. But I feel wholly and completely like I am myself and am ready to represent my cause, my country, who I am as best as possible.
"And I cannot wait to share that journey with you, guys," she said.
When entering the pageant, Qhawe said her focus was on literacy and helping kids gain access to resources in their own languages.
"I believe there's a stark correlation between our increasing rates of illiteracy and the current unemployment crisis. Statistics have shown that up to 81% of kids in grade 4 struggle to read for meaning, which then indicates that the foundational skills meant to service building blocks for high school and tertiary studies are fundamentally unstable, thus impacting later employability skills.
"In my current capacity, I've created various resources and books in various languages to help foster the love for learning," she said.
Qhawe said she'd make sure kids in Mzansi have access to books.
"As your Miss South Africa, my heart's intent is to ensure kids have increased access to books and resources that are tailored to their language and their culture. I look forward to serving you as your Miss South Africa."
Qhawe is following in her sister's footsteps.
Her sister Homba Mazaleni also made it to the Miss SA Top 10 in 2023.
