Vunene Ndavani (23), from Josefa village outside Malamulele, is making a name for herself in beauty pageants, business and women's empowerment. The final-year University of Venda student is one of the semi-finalists in the Miss Mzansi 2025 competition.
More than 300 women were shortlisted for the national competition, but only the top 30 will make it to the final stage, based on public votes and the judges' scores. While the date for the final crowning is yet to be announced, the official launch of the competition is set to take place on 2 August in Sandton.
Ndavani, who is studying for a BA in media studies, says her journey into modelling began at the age of nine. "My teacher asked who had an evening dress, and I was one of two girls who raised their hands. We ended up representing our school. However, it was only at the age of 14 that I entered my first official pageant and discovered my passion for modelling," she said.
She has since won several titles, including Miss Malamulele 2021, Miss Collins Chabane Local Municipality 2023, and Miss Grand SA Influencer 2023. She was also a finalist in Miss Soweto, Miss Teen Universe and Miss Teen World.
"Miss Mzansi is more than beauty — it's a platform for advocacy and a voice for young women. Campaigning had its challenges; not everyone I approached voted, but many did, and I'm grateful. A few rejections didn't shake my passion," she said.
Outside beauty pageants, she runs Pageant World SA, where she coaches young girls, and Yana Glamour, a beauty business offering makeup services and hair products. "I've never wanted to depend on anyone. My goal is to inspire other young women to do the same," she added.
In 2023, she hosted a free modelling workshop for young women who could not afford formal training. "My advocacy focuses on women's independence. When a woman is independent, she's less likely to stay in an abusive relationship. That's why I focus on empowerment," she said.