Nompumelelo (Mpume) Maduna was named first runner-up at the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant which was held on 10 August 2024.
Maduna was born on 26 May 1995 and is from Soweto in Gauteng in South Africa.
She attended Glenview Primary School and completed her high school studies at Bracken High School in Alberton. At the time of entering the Miss South Africa competition, Mpume was working in group marketing for a major financial institution and was pursuing a Masters in research from the University of Johannesburg.
Twenty-nine-year-old Maduna comes from a close knit family. Her mother Nomthandazo Maduna raised Mpume and her brother Sihle, with the help of her Gogo Duduzile Ngwenya, when her father passed away when she was six-years-old.
Maduna is fully committed to her advocacy to empower women and ensure sustainable change in South Africa through her work with Impumelelo Girls Mentorship.
“Impumelelo Girls Mentorship is a movement dedicated to breaking barriers and unlocking the potential of young women through mentorship. It empowers young women to excel in education by being afforded access to education and pivoting in their careers. By providing guidance, support and opportunities, the aim is to nurture the talents and aspirations of the next generation. My mission is to change mindsets, foster ambition, and create a stronger and more equitable society,” she says.
Her message to young girls and young women in South Africa: “The future belongs to you, you are the leaders, innovators and change makers. You are in charge of crafting your journey and become what you desire, the world is your oyster if you believe that you are possible. Your voice matters.”
Five shorts facts about Nompumelelo:
- She ran her first marathon in London on April 2021 (42.2km)
- She plays the saxophone (beginner)
- She can cook up a storm (food that is!)
- She is an aunt to four humans, including a set of twins
- She sings well in the shower