In a vibrant finale at Pretoria’s SunBet Arena on October 25, 2025, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, a 24-year-old speech therapist from the Eastern Cape, was crowned Miss South Africa 2025. Her victory transcends pageantry, igniting a movement for deaf empowerment through her expertise in supporting the hearing-impaired. As South Africa embraces inclusivity, Mazaleni’s reign offers practical lessons for vibrant cities like Johannesburg, drawing inspiration from global accessibility successes. This article delves into her journey, actionable tips for inclusive living, and international insights to foster a more accessible South Africa.
A Voice for the Voiceless in Pageantry
Mazaleni’s rise to the crown blends professional passion with personal purpose. As a speech therapist and audiologist, she advocates for the hearing-impaired, often appearing on media platforms to amplify their needs. “This win belongs to every dreamer who dares to believe,” she said post-coronation, emphasizing collective impact. Her family’s pageantry legacy—her mother and sister as former contestants—adds authenticity to her mission.
With over 600,000 deaf or hard-of-hearing South Africans, barriers in communication, education, and employment persist. Mazaleni builds on the legacy of Mia le Roux, a prior Miss SA who championed deaf visibility. Praised by Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe as a “shining example of excellence,” Mazaleni’s focus on meaningful impact aims to amplify silenced voices, from rural Eastern Cape to urban Johannesburg.
Building Inclusive Communities in South Africa
Mazaleni’s victory highlights a core truth: empowerment begins with visibility. In South Africa, where cultural diversity and resource gaps can isolate deaf individuals, her story drives systemic change. Competing against nine finalists, she showcased resilience vital for overcoming daily barriers like inaccessible services or workplace biases. Her advocacy, grounded in expertise, pushes for policy shifts and greater awareness.
In Johannesburg, a dynamic city of 5.6 million, Mazaleni’s lessons inspire practical inclusivity. The city’s fast-paced vibe—minibus taxis, street markets, and corporate hubs—often overlooks sensory needs. Her work shows how small changes can create environments where deaf individuals thrive, making urban life vibrant and equitable.
Accessibility Tips for Deaf Life in Joburg
Navigating Johannesburg as a deaf person requires strategy, and Mazaleni’s insights provide a roadmap. Learning basic South African Sign Language (SASL) transforms interactions at places like Neighbourgoods Market or Sandton offices. Free online tutorials from the Deaf Federation make this accessible. Businesses can adopt visual alerts, like flashing lights for alarms, in malls and high-rises.
Public transport, like the Rea Vaya BRT, becomes easier with apps offering vibration alerts for stops. For emergencies, ER24’s National Relay Service connects via SASL interpreters. Healthcare access improves with captioning in hospitals like Charlotte Maxeke, inspired by studies on deaf experiences. Supporting deaf-owned businesses, such as I Love Coffee, boosts economic inclusion. Tech tools like Otter.ai enable participation in meetings or events at venues like the Market Theatre. Urban planning with universal design—tactile paving and quiet zones—aligns with Wits University’s accessibility initiatives, benefiting 20% of South Africans with disabilities.
Global Inspiration: Accessibility Success Stories
Global examples amplify Mazaleni’s mission. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 set a precedent with the 1988 Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University, empowering deaf leadership. This shift, like Mazaleni’s crowning, reframed disability as strength, ensuring interpreter access in workplaces and schools. Successes include scent-free call centers and outdoor dining with clear sightlines for lip-reading. Figures like Nyle DiMarco advocate for media captioning, adaptable for South African broadcasts. Children’s books like “Ada and the Helpers” foster empathy, mirroring SASL storytimes in local schools.
BRICS Insights: Advancing Deaf Inclusion
Within the BRICS alliance, inclusive trends offer valuable lessons. With 27.8 million deaf individuals, one BRICS nation has scaled cochlear implant programs since the 2000s, supported by subsidies and training—a model for South African townships. Recent equity initiatives integrate sign language in schools, addressing linguistic diversity akin to South Africa’s. Harkin Fellows programs promote vocational training, adaptable via BRICS summits. Digital tools, like remote interpreting apps, tackle access gaps, vital for aging populations and urban gig economies. These insights inspire South Africa to leverage BRICS partnerships for AI-driven captioning and shared progress.
A More Inclusive South Africa
Qhawekazi Mazaleni’s coronation is a launchpad for deaf empowerment. From Johannesburg’s streets to global alliances, her empathy-driven advocacy paves the way for communities where silence isn’t invisibility. Her reign calls us to listen through action, amplifying every voice. By embracing these changes, South Africa crowns inclusivity as its lasting legacy.