By Palesa Ndinisa
On the 27th of September 2025 at Springs Civic Centre, the ever waited Mr. & Miss Daring Youth South Africa 2025 was crowned after months of anticipation, excitement and hype. The junior overall winner took home a whopping R5 000 while a senior winner won a good amount of R10 000.
The event was programmed directed by Koketso Seshoka and Chantelle Mavimbela. Its co-host was Katlego Mthombeni, alias Keigo Minaj, a famous TikToker who uses recycled material and used plastic to create extravagant garments. In celebration of heritage month, the event had no other than Amazoleka Cultural Dancers entertaining and celebrating South Africa’s rich culture and history. Additionally, amazing sponsors like Jo’burg Limo Hire, Xolani Snaps, Show Up, Duerell’s, Accounts On Point, On Point Mechanics, Wealthifyd Beauty Home Luxury Collection and Leicco Designs also came together for the success of the event. The panel of judges included the current reigning Miss Soweto- Gift Kubeka, Hloni Motsoeneng, an actor who has made appearances on the legendary soap show Isidingo, music mogul Duerell de Pontes, and KB-a Xitsonga music sensation.
Taking the first place was Inothando Mphithi, who was crowned Miss Daring Youth South Africa 2025. Lerato Tshego took the 1st Princes title, while Busisiwe Nkosi was crowned 2nd Princess. Mr Daring Youth South Africa 2025 was crowned to Phoila Zimbawe, 1st Prince went to Mpho Mafumadi and 2nd Prince went to Queran Pieterse overrall embodied the essence of what it means to be daring, confident, outspoken and ready to lead a new era of change. The Mr & Miss Daring Youth South Africa platform provides its winners with invaluable mentorship, media exposure and connections to national brands and leaders, paving the way for a meaningful journey of growth and impact.
The pageant attracted a vibrant, dynamic group of young South Africans aged 4 to 26, all driven by a desire to discover their voice, purpose and power. The winners stood out not just for their charisma and poise but for their commitment to inspire transformation within their communities and nationally. “The spirit of Mr & Miss Daring Youth South Africa is about more than crowns and titles. It’s about awakening potential and igniting the dream within every young person. Our winners are true symbols of empowerment, ready to seize opportunities, influence change and lead with courage and compassion,” said Daring Youth SA Ambassador, 17-year-old Enhle Mdakane.
As these young leaders step into the spotlight, their stories promise to inspire countless others to be bold, be heard and be daring. Mr & Miss Daring Youth South Africa is a platform celebrating boldness, originality and fearless self-expression among the youth. It empowers young individuals to discover their voice, purpose and power and aims to elevate the next generation of leaders, creators and change-makers.
Landi Khumalo, Director and founder of Daring Youth South Africa expressed her gratitude for the success of the event. “We’ve partnered with a lot of organisations to make sure that our youth is empowered. We wanted to change the industry and not just make pageants about taking and not giving back. We want pageants to be fun, fair and beneficial to parents since they spend so much money on pageants,” attested Khumalo. The founder also cited that the biggest hurdle they faced was funding and sponsorship.
In conclusion, Vicky Skosana, the Social Media Manager and Secretary for Daring Youth South Africa concluded by joyfully announcing her outlook on the event. “We are happy that we also created job opportunities for people living in this specific part of Ekurhuleni to work in this pageant. We have runners ensuring that our VIP guests are well taken care of, they’re also making sure that our contestants are well fed and confirming that all is well,” blissfully concluded Skosana.
