Miss SA Qhawekazi Mazaleni and Luyanda Zuma to Shine at Metro FM Music Awards 2026.
Miss SA Qhawekazi Mazaleni and runner-up Luyanda Zuma will take centre stage at the Metro FM Music Awards 2026, highlighting youth leadership, fashion, and the creative industry.
LEVY M 
Reigning Miss South Africa Qhawekazi Mazaleni and first runner-up Luyanda Zuma are set to play prominent roles at the upcoming Metro FM Music Awards 2026, scheduled for 25 April.
Their participation highlights the growing connection between South Africa entertainment news, fashion, and youth leadership, as the Miss South Africa Organisation continues to expand its influence beyond pageantry.
Mazaleni, who also serves as an ambassador for Empower Youth Africa, will present one of the evening’s top honours—Song of the Year. As a representative of a younger generation of leaders, she is expected to spotlight emerging voices within the music industry, aligning with ongoing South African music industry trends.
Joining her on the night is Zuma, an actress and media personality, who will co-host the black carpet alongside Lamiez Holworthy. Known for her strong on-screen presence, Zuma is expected to bring a mix of entertainment and insight, particularly in conversations around African fashion and identity—key topics in celebrity fashion South Africa.
Both women will be styled by African Fashion International (AFI), a major player in promoting African luxury design. Their looks will showcase locally crafted fashion, reinforcing how style contributes to storytelling within the broader creative economy.
In addition, AFI is set to activate its retail platform, House of NALA, with a luxury pop-up experience at Oceans Mall in Durban. The activation coincides with the awards weekend, further strengthening the link between fashion and music collaborations in South Africa.
Beyond the red carpet, Mazaleni continues to build a profile rooted in education and social impact. A qualified speech therapist and author, she advocates for literacy and inclusive learning, including promoting mother-tongue education through her isiXhosa children’s book. Her work forms part of broader youth empowerment initiatives South Africa.
Zuma, on the other hand, is actively involved in mentoring young creatives through her initiative focused on supporting emerging talent in underserved communities. Her efforts contribute to growing conversations around developing young artists in South Africa and creating sustainable career pathways in the arts.
Their joint presence at the awards signals a shift in how platforms like Miss South Africa contribute to national development—moving beyond traditional roles into areas of influence that shape culture, industry, and opportunity.
