Navigating an Autism diagnosis can feel like a lonely journey, but our reigning Miss SA, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, is using her platform to ensure families don’t have to walk it alone.

Johannesburg, South Africa (07 April 2026) – April is Autism Acceptance Month. It is a month dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity, understanding the strengths and honouring the challenges faced by those on the spectrum.

Having received numerous messages from families seeking guidance on how to access support for their children, our reigning Miss South Africa, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, is using her platform to help others navigate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Far more than just a pageant queen who wears our national crown, Qhawekazi is also a qualified speech therapist, educational activist and a self-published children’s author and a Master’s student in speech pathology, specialising her research in the field of autism.

“What I love most about this month is that the name has been changed from ‘Autism Awareness Month’ to ‘Autism Acceptance Month’, which moves towards genuine acceptance and support for autistic children and adults,” Qhawekazi shares in a recent post.

She recognises that our country still has a very long way to go in terms of ASD information availability, partially because of cultural differences, which result in taboos.

“So many children remain isolated or undiagnosed because their behaviour is viewed as difficult due to misinformation. I want to use this community to make a difference where we can.”

Qhawekazi will now be using her social media platforms to launch a four-part series covering how to get an autism diagnosis, getting support systems like speech or occupational therapy, communication tips and advice on how to navigate the public schooling system for children who are diagnosed with autism.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Qhawekazi Mazaleni (@qhawemazaleni)

She’s also open to answering further questions on the topic, inviting her followers to respond with their questions in the comments section or DMing her.

“I will try to include the answers in each of the videos that I make. If I personally can’t answer it, I will make sure to either do research or try to get in contact with a clinician. Please let me know any specific information you might want to know as well. There is no one-size approach to supporting neurodiverse children, but I really hope this series will help a family navigating their journey.”

Beyond the crown lies a heart dedicated to every child’s voice. Her post has received love and earned respect from her online audience and, more touching, brought hope to those navigating a widely misunderstood journey.

As Qhawekazi puts it, one of the best ways to make information available is to start the conversation. We applaud her for using her platform for such a remarkable source of help and a force for good.

Sources: Qhawekazi Mazaleni

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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Miss SA, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, recently turned a typical morning at Monde Primary into a world of wonder by reading to them from her isiXhosa children’s book ‘Amasele Amdaka’.

East Rand, South Africa (18 February 2026) – Stories are the very heartbeat of our heritage. World Read Aloud Month (WRAM) arrives not just as a celebration, but as a vital intervention to ensure this heartbeat remains alive.

As South Africa grapples with a literacy crisis, where hundreds of Grade 4 learners still struggle to read for basic meaning, WRAM literacy programmes and school visits offer more than just a pleasant day of storytelling. They provide a glimmer of hope for our reading culture – in languages our children understand.

Joining the WRAD movement was the adored Miss South Africa and Empower Youth Africa (EYA) Ambassador, Qhawekazi Mazaleni. She recently paid a visit to Monde Primary School in the East Rand, where she read from her isiXhosa children’s book Amasele Amdaka as part of her ongoing literacy outreach focused on mother-tongue learning, early language development, and access to education.

Welcomed with vibrant performances, she encouraged learners to dream boldly, value education, and embrace the power of mother-tongue storytelling.

“In all honesty, this was such a rewarding day. We started off the day with a sit-down conversation with the principal. He actually attended this school when he was younger, and he’s been able to watch it develop and grow throughout the years. We also touched on the mother tongue-based bilingual learning and how it helps shape learning in the classroom,” Qhawekazi shared.

The process of translating her book is already underway to ensure more children can enjoy the contents of its pages. Qhawekazi is a proud advocate for inclusive education, and she added that as a speech therapist, it is deeply important to her to advocate for early reading and learning resources.

“There is strong scientific evidence that mother-tongue instruction plays a critical role in shaping academic success,” she says.

Through Empower Youth Africa, she continues to champion access to education and youth empowerment, one school at a time.

By bringing vibrant, multilingual narratives directly into schools and classrooms, such initiatives transform reading from a daunting academic hurdle into a shared, joyful adventure.

Sources: Miss South Africa | Qhawekazi Mazaleni

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post Miss SA Qhawekazi Mazaleni Shares the Joy of Stories with Monde Primary Learners appeared first on Good Things Guy.

After days of soaking it all up, the beauty queen thought she could get through a full day without crying. That’s until she received a message from her dad that brought back the waterworks.

Johannesburg, South Africa (31 October 2025) – It’s been a week wrapped in love for Qhawekazi Mazaleni after she was named Miss South Africa in Pretoria last weekend. Not only for Qhawekazi, but for her loved ones too. The people who have supported her all along.

Becoming Miss SA comes with an outpouring of support from many South Africans who are proud of their new queen. Qhawekazi has gotten it from all angles this week. Receiving all the support has understandably made her very emotional. Her happy cries have spanned the stage where Mia first handed down the crown, to radio interviews where her gratitude for friends, family and supporters has brought her to tears.

After days of soaking it all up, the beauty queen thought she could get through a full day without crying. That’s until she received a message from her dad that brought back the waterworks…

His work colleagues had thrown him a party to celebrate Qhawekazi’s big achievement. The video of him arriving at work to discover the surprise is everything. First there is happy tears, and then there is dancing.

@qhawemazaleni I only know of a fraction of the sacrifices you made for us. They’ve been so silent and your love so so loud. Enkosi Tata #MissSA2025 #CouragePurposeTransformatiom #EmpowerYouthAfrica ♬ What Was I Made For? (Epilogue) [Instrumental Version] – Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt

Qhawekazi posted the video to social media, with gratitude for her dad.

“I only know of a fraction of the sacrifices you made for us. They’ve been so silent and your love so so loud. Enkosi Tata,” she wrote.

Commenters flooded the post with support, sharing that her dad is celebrating that everyone sees what he has always known – his daughter’s endless potential.

Another reason to clap for every single girl dad that has been present, supportive and encouraged his daughter to dream.

Sources: Linked above

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The moment Qhawekazi Mazaleni was crowned the new Miss South Africa, her victory became a beautiful, shared family triumph – especially for her biggest cheerleader, her sister, Homba Mazaleni!

Johannesburg, South Africa (28 October 2025) – There’s a unique warmth in having our achievements celebrated by those we love. These are the moments when we feel truly seen, cherished, and embraced by people whose journeys are closely woven with our own.

Such heartfelt support was beautifully on display following the announcement of our new Miss South Africa, Qhawekazi Mazaleni. Her sister, Homba, has been celebrating her win with infectious pride across social media – an outpouring of joy that has been heartwarming to witness.

Just moments after the glitzy crowning night, Homba shared videos of her family over the moon over Qhawekazi’s win, still reeling from a dream come true.

“At this point, reality is better than dreaming,” she shared in a separate video, admitting that she didn’t even know how to contain her joy and pride at her sister’s accomplishment.

What makes Homba’s reaction especially heartwarming is her grace and sheer happiness, despite having walked a similar path, as she too was a Miss South Africa finalist who made it to the Top 5 in 2023. She highlighted that Qhawekazi’s victory is the culmination of almost 16 years of their household raising and moulding three powerful daughters, preparing for this moment.

Social media users were deeply moved by Homba’s selfless support and celebrated the beautiful bond between the sisters.

 

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A post shared by Homba Mazaleni (@homba_mazaleni)

“Thembakazi, Hombakazi, Qhawekazi… such beautiful names! It’s so beautiful to see you loudly supporting your sister and being so overjoyed by her wins! She must even be more proud to call you her sister,” one person commented.

While another wrote:

“You should add to your bio, ‘Miss South Africa’s sister’ because woooow! You were and are her biggest cheerleader.”

Every queen deserves a hype woman like Homba! This sisterly love is just wholesome and a reminder that while the win is amazing, having a cheerleader beside you makes it all the more worthwhile.

 

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A post shared by Homba Mazaleni (@homba_mazaleni)

Sources: Homba Mazaleni

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Miss SA’s Sister, a Former Finalist, Steals Hearts as Qhawekazi’s Ultimate Cheerleader! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Before Qhawekazi earned her crown as Miss South Africa on Saturday, she was already all about spreading hope through books and belief.

Pretoria, South Africa (26 October 2025) – Last night at the SunBet in Pretoria, the 67th Miss South Africa finale rolled out the glamour in an evening that would culminate in celebration, as South Africa found its new Miss SA.

Out of nine dazzling finalists who competed for the title, it was 24-year-old Qhawekazi Mazaleni from Gonubie, East London, who took the crown from outgoing queen Mia le Roux. Luyanda Zuma was named First Princess and Karabo Mareka Second Princess.

“My heart is so incredibly full. Thank you so so much, I am so incredibly lost for words, but my heart is filled with gratitude,” shared Qhawekazi, after receiving her crown.

Qhawekazi has always had her heart in the right place.

She holds a degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Therapy from Stellenbosch University and is currently busy with a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology through the University of Pretoria, focusing on autism.

She’s fluent in isiXhosa, English and Afrikaans, and is currently learning Sepedi and isiZulu – which already says a lot about how she thinks. She believes that access and language matter and the more ways we can connect with each other, the better.

Her focus has been crystal clear, long before she entered the pageant.

The beauty queen is all brains. Qhawekazi is big on education, representation and practical tools that help children learn. She’s run with that mission, and in fact has already published an isiXhosa children’s book that teaches reading and counting.

As she’s said before, “Young women don’t always have role models within their own communities to look up to and see themselves reflected; representation gives them permission to dream.”

When you consider how many children in South Africa don’t have books in their home language, it’s a mission that holds so much purpose. Qhawekazi wants to shift that, not only by distributing books but by helping families and teachers create resources with what they have.

Her belief in the power of stories (and in telling them in the languages we live in) is core to what she wants to build.

“Through my initiative for increasing access to books I hope to find and share stories that celebrate our cultures, languages and traditions and foster a generation with cultural awareness,” she shares.

It also really helps that her academic world meets her advocacy. Speech-language therapy is about closing gaps so children can thrive in the classroom and outside of it.

We love that Qhawekazi has made it clear that pageantry, for her, is a platform to get practical. She’s outspoken about the reality that many young people battle hopelessness when they look at the stats, and she wants to meet that with visible, measurable action.

It’s going to be a year of making things happen.

Sources: Linked above

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Qhawekazi Mazaleni Scoops Crown as Miss South Africa! appeared first on Good Things Guy.