Actress and model Luyanda Zuma, known for her role in Shaka iLembe, is silencing the noise and stepping into her power as a Miss South Africa 2025 hopeful.
Following her viral entry video, which has sparked both praise and criticism, Zuma made it clear: her campaign is about purpose over popularity.
In a heartfelt interview with Sunday World, Zuma responded to detractors who accused her of chasing clout:
“This is my life, how I live, and how I serve. It was not about flash. It was about stepping into my truth.”
A Bold Return, A Clearer Mission
Zuma first entered Miss SA in 2022 but admitted she was still “finding her voice” at the time. Now, at 28, she’s returning not just as a public figure but as a woman grounded in intention, advocacy, and vision.
“In 2022, I entered with hope and purpose. In 2025, I am a woman who knows her influence and responsibility.”
Her entry video deviates from traditional pageant aesthetics, opting instead for bold visuals, traditional Zulu beads, and reflective moments from her life’s journey. It’s an unapologetic celebration of identity and mission, one centered on speaking for the voiceless, especially women and children affected by gender-based violence, inequality, and lack of education.
“The Crown Is Not the Goal — Impact Is”
For Zuma, the Miss South Africa platform is not about perfection but powerful storytelling and tangible change.
“Why not use this stage to make a difference?” she asked.
Her advocacy pillars are clear:
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Child development
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Safety for women
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Storytelling as a catalyst for social transformation
And many South Africans are here for it.
More Than a Pretty Face
As a student, model, and actress, Luyanda Zuma is redefining what pageantry looks like in 2025 — trading gowns for grit and glitter for grounded activism.
Her journey proves that Miss SA is not just a beauty contest — it’s a platform to lead, inspire, and challenge norms, even in the face of criticism.
With her growing fanbase and unshaken confidence, Zuma may not just be competing for a crown — she’s crowning a movement.
