Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – Community Newsroom Photo Credit: Supplied
Soweto, Johannesburg — On a night filled with glamour, pride, and pure township brilliance, White Star Miss Soweto 2025 crowned its new queen — Thandeka “Thandi” Mokoena (23) from Pimville — in a dazzling ceremony that once again affirmed Soweto’s status as the cultural heartbeat of South Africa.
With powerful performances, spectacular fashion, and moving personal stories, this year’s pageant delivered an unforgettable evening that celebrated beauty, leadership, and the unstoppable promise of young women from Soweto’s diverse communities.
Meet the 2025 White Star Miss Soweto Queen: Thandeka Mokoena
The new queen, Thandeka Mokoena, a third-year BCom Accounting student and youth mentor, won the judges over with her authenticity, intellect, and passionate mission to create financial literacy clubs for township high schools.
As she received her crown, she dedicated her victory to “every young girl in Soweto who is daring to dream beyond what she sees.”
2025 Winners & Special Award Recipients
🏆 White Star Miss Soweto 2025
Thandeka Mokoena — Pimville
🥈 1st Princess
Bokang Radebe — Diepkloof
A psychology graduate advocating for mental-health support for township youth.
🥉 2nd Princess
Naledi Molefe — Orlando West
A fashion entrepreneur focused on creating sustainable township-made garments.
🌟 Special Awards
Miss Personality — Ayanda Khumalo (Dobsonville)
Recognised for her warmth, leadership spirit, and ability to uplift fellow contestants.
Miss Photogenic — Kamohelo Mabuza (Meadowlands)
Honoured for her natural camera presence and magnetic charisma.
Best Evening Wear — Zanele Mthembu (Mofolo South)
Awarded for her breathtaking design inspired by Ndebele heritage.
Community Ambassador Award — Rea Kgasago (Protea North)
Acknowledged for her ongoing work with youth sports and after-school reading clubs.
👑 2025 Finalists Who Lit Up the Stage
This year’s Top 10 showcased the very best of Soweto’s talent, intelligence, and cultural pride:
- Thandeka Mokoena – Pimville
- Bokang Radebe – Diepkloof
- Naledi Molefe – Orlando West
- Ayanda Khumalo – Dobsonville
- Kamohelo Mabuza – Meadowlands
- Zanele Mthembu – Mofolo South
- Rea Kgasago – Protea North
- Keabetswe Motlhabane – Kliptown
- Lerato Phiri – Mapetla
- Tshepiso Ndlovu – Naledi
Each finalist brought a unique story, a meaningful community purpose, and a powerful vision for her future — proving again that Soweto is a wellspring of brilliance.
✨ A Night of Beauty, Purpose & Township Pride
White Star Miss Soweto 2025 wasn’t just a pageant — it was a celebration of:
- Township excellence
- Women empowerment
- Cultural identity and pride
- Community upliftment
- Youth voices shaping a new future
The event delivered emotional moments, thrilling performances, and an atmosphere overflowing with unity and pride.
White Star Continues Its Legacy of Upliftment
For decades, White Star has invested in platforms that empower young women and celebrate township culture. This year’s event reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to:
- Unlocking opportunities
- Developing young leaders
- Supporting community-driven initiatives
- Shining a spotlight on authentic South African stories
💫 Soweto’s Star Shines On
As the newly crowned queen begins her journey, Soweto stands behind her — proud, inspired, and ready for another year of growth, community impact, and unstoppable brilliance.
White Star Miss Soweto 2025 proves once again that the stars truly shine brightest in Soweto.
