Literacy initiative at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, launch of Amasele Amdaka in all 11 official languages, and Women’s Day celebration to showcase leadership, purpose and empowerment
Johannesburg, South Africa, July 2026 – Miss South Africa 2025 and Empower Youth Africa (EYA) Ambassador Qhawekazi Mazaleni is marking her birthday through a series of purpose-driven initiatives that celebrate literacy, community service, leadership and the empowerment of women and young people.
The programme begins with a special Mandela Day engagement at the Speech Therapy Unit of Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, where Qhawekazi will spend time reading to children, sharing stories and celebrating the transformative power of education. Supported by toys donated by the Motsepe Foundation, the initiative reflects the belief that every child deserves access to learning opportunities that inspire imagination, confidence and hope.
The visit will also mark the official launch of the second edition of Amasele Amdaka, now available in all 11 official South African languages. Through this initiative, Qhawekazi is calling on organisations, foundations, schools and members of the public to support literacy by purchasing and donating books to children and communities across the country.
“Birthdays offer an opportunity to reflect on how we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Qhawekazi Mazaleni. “Honouring Mandela Day through literacy and education is particularly close to my heart because every child deserves the opportunity to read, learn and dream in the language they understand best.”
While the Mandela Day initiative celebrates literacy and service, it also forms part of a broader journey of impact that will continue into Women’s Month.
On 8 August 2026, the Miss South Africa Organisation will host the Power to Empower Women’s Day High Tea, an inspiring celebration of leadership, purpose and transformation under the theme The Power of Becoming.
The event will bring together influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, change makers and influential women from across South Africa to celebrate the achievements of women while reflecting on the impact of Empower Youth Africa. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with Qhawekazi and members of the Miss South Africa community and its stakeholders, while witnessing the unveiling of the 2025 EYA Impact Report and the first public appearance of the Miss South Africa 2026 Top 19 finalists.
Patron and Chairman of the Miss South Africa Organisation, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, said:
“Through Empower Youth Africa, we continue to witness the remarkable impact that purpose-driven leadership can have on communities. From promoting literacy and education to creating opportunities for young people and celebrating women’s leadership, these initiatives reflect our commitment to shaping a more inclusive and empowered future.”
Together, the Mandela Day initiative and the Women’s Month celebration reflect Miss South Africa’s ongoing commitment to advancing education, empowerment, entrepreneurship and community development through the Empower Youth Africa initiative, which is the organisations’ social enterprise entity and at the heart of Miss South Africa.
For media enquiries, interviews or partnership opportunities, please contact: Nhlanhla Shezi
nhlanhla@misssa.co.za
