Courage, Confidence and Compassion

By Duru Tahir & Unako Giwu | Republic Africa

When Ayanda G. Thabethe steps into a room, the atmosphere changes. It isn’t only her striking beauty but also the quiet strength she carries. In an era where celebrity can feel shallow, Ayanda’s journey through the Miss South Africa stage proved that purpose and authenticity are still powerful forces.

Humble Beginnings, Strong Foundations

Born on 11 November 1999 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Ayanda grew up in a close family with both her mother, Florence, and father, Clement, alongside her brother Andile. “My family has always been my anchor,” she tells Republic Africa. “They’ve taught me to be grounded, to treat people with respect, and to never forget where I come from.”

Unlike many who chase fame from a young age, Ayanda’s early ambitions were rooted in health and service. She studied for a BSc in Dietetics and Human Nutrition at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, determined to use her knowledge to impact South Africa’s communities. “Nutrition is about dignity,” she says. “When people are healthy and nourished, they can dream bigger.”

The Miss South Africa Stage

In 2022, Ayanda entered the Miss South Africa competition. Against fierce competition, she advanced all the way to the final stage, eventually being named first runner-up. For her, the journey was more important than the crown.

“People think pageants are only about looks,” she explains. “But Miss SA taught me that it’s about using your voice with courage, leading with compassion, and proving that confidence comes from character.”

Her calm eloquence on stage and her advocacy for nutrition and education resonated with many. Though she didn’t walk away with the crown, she won something equally enduring: the respect of a nation.

Beyond the Spotlight

Since then, Ayanda has grown her profile as a model, presenter, and advocate, but she remains intentional about her path. She often uses her platforms to highlight small businesses, promote health awareness, and encourage self-belief.

“South Africa is filled with young people who feel unseen,” she reflects. “If my journey can remind just one of them that their dream matters, then I am living my purpose.”

Her Instagram is a blend of glamour and groundedness — runway shots and campaign work sit alongside messages about resilience, faith, and mental health. “Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s,” she once wrote. “You don’t need to shrink yourself to fit in.”

Courage, Confidence, Compassion

Now in her mid-twenties, Ayanda is still shaping her story. She balances her work in modelling and presenting with her desire to return to her nutrition roots. “I want to merge my love for media with my passion for health,” she says. “That way, I’m not only entertaining but also educating and empowering.”

Her mantra — “Courage. Confidence. Compassion.” — is more than a slogan. It is the lens through which she approaches life.

As our interview ended, she left us with words that embody her essence: “Faith isn’t passive. It’s showing up every single day — even when the result isn’t clear yet. That’s how I live, and that’s how I hope to inspire others.”

Ayanda G. Thabethe may not hold the Miss South Africa crown, but she carries something far more enduring: the belief that true influence is measured by how many lives you touch, not the titles you win. Ayanda is also one of three front covers for this special fashion issue for Oct-Dec. 2025. Order your copies today @ www.republicafrica.co/shop