All Quotes

"A lot of people want to just get a job or be on TV but we are trying to break that culture and show them that they can create. If we isolate ourselves in the industry, we will never grow"

"It is the attitude many artists in South Africa have, that all you have to do is wait until someone gives you that opportunity, but that is a difficult. We need to stop this open handed and entitled attitude and empower ourselves"

"If I did not have that it would have been hard for me to break into the industry. I believe that the only way to grow as an industry is for us to come together and share skills"

"If we isolate ourselves in the industry, we will never grow. I believe in the power of collaboration, that is what got me so far, because people recommended me to other people because I had the potential."

"Women may benefit from social media for a few years but as soon as they get to a certain age the industry forgets about them and they look for the next big thing. Their careers then become obsolete because they didn't grow their craft and relied too much on social media,"

"My only problem is that because platforms to showcase your talent is there, people don't take time to refine their craft. They are going to get lost. Financially and professionally lost."

"Selebi Phikwe Mps Call for Collaborative Measures AFRICA press(13 January 2025)"

"Nkawana optimistic about return Mmegi (26 February 2025)"

"MPs support motion on health checks DailyNews (1 December 2024)"

"There is a crucial need for accountability from both municipalities and councillors to the citizens"

"The leadership has committed to a selfless and honest approach"

"The emotional and psychological well-being of all learners will be paramount during this stressful period"

"We appeal to parents and guardians to keep a watchful eye over them to ensure they are in a good place. We wish teachers, invigilators and markers all the strength they need to tackle the mammoth task at hand with all the zeal and fortitude that it requires"

"I’m not doing acting for fame or to be a celebrity. I do it because it’s a calling. I believe I was chosen to tell these stories and bring hope to people"

"I was excited, and he was just as excited to work with me. It was confusing to me that someone like him would be impressed working with me"

"Believe in yourself, Don’t lose your identity trying to fit in"

"Leadership involves responsibility. I want to be an ambassador with deep purpose and a voice that reflects this country. I intend to take EYA very seriously during the coming year of my reign and ensure that everything I and my fellow finalists do, is anchored in impact and can be measured when I hand over"

"I’ve carried so many of you guys with me and for me it really is a testament of intentional leadership and how if you really wanna see change within the systems that you step in, you need to just start somewhere"

"My heart is so incredibly full. If I’m being completely honest it feels like I’ve won the World Cup. That’s the best way I can explain it"

"It feels like I’ve won the World Cup, but I walk - I was gonna say I walk out of this, but really I walk into this as a completely different woman. But I still carry my old self into it"

"I want you guys to see the kind of courage that it takes, the kind of thought and the mindset it takes and how sometimes you really just have to be willing to bet on yourself to be able to take it like one step further"

"It’s still sinking in. I am surrounded by community and so incredibly honoured. I plan to continue the work I have already started"

"We need support to rebuild this nation"

"But now with the support and guidance from Miss South Africa and Empower Youth Africa, we are able to do it on a bigger scale with more resources. I am so incredibly humbled"

"Standing on that stage, I felt such gratitude. Not just for the crown, but for the journey that led me to that moment. It was such a moment of validation for the little girl in me who doubted if she belonged in certain rooms, let alone on that stage"

"My name really reminds me that being a leader is not about status, but really about service. Living up to that name now means remaining rooted in my purpose even in moments of discomfort. It motivates me to be the voice that creates space for others to grow and feel empowered in the spaces they step into"

"Our journey has been so deeply intertwined. Watching my sister on the Miss SA 2023 stage really showed me how attainable our big dreams are. She taught me how to remain graceful under pressure and to really stay true to myself regardless of where I am"

"I saw how much she transformed during her journey through Miss SA and what an incredible platform it is for self-development"

"To me inclusive education means that a child’s financial, linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic background does not hinder them from receiving fair access to resources. True inclusion is acknowledging potential and providing resources for each child to succeed"

"Speech therapy taught me the importance of language in education. When a child is not able to understand the language they are being taught in, we cannot begin to address later unemployment"

"Growing up in the Eastern Cape really grounded me. It taught me to remain humble and the importance of community. In Idutywa, I learnt how success is a collective effort. From drawing water to preparing meals for big family celebrations, if you want to accomplish something it starts with community"

"I am really focusing on playing my part in breaking the cycle of unemployment from its root cause through addressing our illiteracy crisis. I plan on collaborating with multilingual authors, translators and illustrators to produce books and resources that are tailored to all South African languages. And to create literacy workshops for parents and teachers in underserved communities, because transformation really begins at the roots"

"I initially wrote the book for one specific child, but after seeing how it impacted her understanding of colours and counting, I wanted to make it more accessible to children. I started by self-publishing and distributing the one in isiXhosa, which I now plan to translate into all 11 official languages"

"I have come to realise through my speech therapy sessions that language builds trust. It really has been an easy way to say, ‘I see you.’ Being multilingual helps me gain insights into the lives and experiences of different communities. It may not give me an in-depth image, but it allows me to meaningfully connect"

"Most importantly, I would love to focus on how to support struggling learners and how to identify learners with delays in language or with special needs"

"Hope is contagious. I want to show our youth that your background does not limit your future. When you start doing the work with what you have, you become able to achieve goals you previously thought were impossible"

"I view the prize package as a seed for my future, not an immediate reward — although I will likely buy myself something fun as well. During my reign I want to create a foundation for my literacy work that will carry on past my reign as Miss South Africa."

"South Africa, I have poured my heart into this journey. Every step, every late night, every moment of doubt and triumph, all leading to this final moment on that stage"

"It took years of hard work, sweat and tears to rise from a place of zero confidence, from once hating my complexion, my height and my figure to standing tall and proud in my truth"

"When I was on-stage during the crowning moment I was thinking to myself that whoever gets this crown is so deserving of it. when you are in that moment you can just be at peace, and just let go and let God take over. Even when Qhawe and I were standing there, we even forgot that we had to turn on que because we were just so in our moment. I was thinking that the fact that I have even gotten this far is enough. Whatever happens now is all up to God"

"I don’t think people understand that you don’t necessarily need a crown to fulfill your duties. the Miss SA organisation is still going to hold my hand through and ensure that my advocacy does actually breath life into the people that I want to reach. It was such a rewarding moment for me when I got that position knowing that I’ll still be able to be within the proximity of working with the organisation and the queen as well"

"They were really amazing. I think the sisterhood that gets born in that system is so beautiful because if you are missing an earing, someone has got you. If you are missing this or that, someone is always there to help. How we were stepping into an new era and having to now hold each other hands in support and not necessarily look at each other as competition, is comforting"

"just a drop in the large ocean of my amazing supporters who fuel me every single day"

"Being sashed First Runner-Up at Miss South Africa is a moment I’ll cherish forever, not just for what it represents, but for what it means in God’s divine plan. Every message, every word of love and encouragement has touched my heart deeply"

"Your impact on people generates influence"

"I am my ancestors’ wildest dream, standing tall because of the prayers, sacrifices, and strength that came before me. And for that, I am endlessly thankful"

"A girl from Alexandra to the Miss South Africa stage. This journey has truly been nothing short of grace, growth, and gratitude"

"This crown is not just mine, it belongs to every dreamer from humble beginnings, to every girl who thought she couldn’t, but did anyway. South Africa, thank you for trusting me with your hearts. The journey doesn’t end here; it’s only the beginning"

"We need to enable and unlock opportunities"

"Unemployment is the most urgent issue before us at 27.6% overall and 38.2% amongst the youth. It demands immediate bold action"