In a world where pageantry is often associated with physical beauty, Nomesizwe “Ntombi” Gumede is redefining the industry by empowering young women beyond the crown. As the founder of Miss Teen Universe of South Africa, a girl-child empowerment program, Ntombi is committed to fostering leadership, confidence, and positive change.

A beauty queen in her own right, Ntombi was crowned Mrs. Tourism Globe 2017 in the Philippines, where she proudly represented South Africa. Her deep-rooted passion for pageantry inspired her to establish her own competition, which has been running successfully for over a decade.

Miss Teen Universe of South Africa is more than a title—it’s a year-long journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The selection process spans all nine provinces, where contestants progress from semi-finalists to finalists before ultimately competing for the crown.

“We look for qualities such as confidence, an inspirational message to share, selflessness, respect, and a willingness to be involved in our community outreach programs,” Ntombi explains.

The winners don’t just wear the crown; they participate in workshops, travel to neighboring countries for events, and are styled by an in-house designer throughout their reign.

“We’ve been promoting positive change, and our girls are empowered from the moment they join the program,” Ntombi says proudly. “We are the only pageant with a full-year mentorship program that guides our queens every step of the way.”

The competition is affiliated with major international pageants, including Miss Universe, Mundial (World), International, Charm, and Global. It has even seen queens grace the prestigious Milan Fashion Week runway.

Despite international recognition, Ntombi is shifting her focus toward strengthening programs within South Africa rather than sending contestants abroad.

“As African countries, it will take years for us to be fully recognized and credited internationally,” she reflects. “I believe it’s time to focus on building impactful programs at home and empowering young women to become leaders in their own communities.”

The highly anticipated Miss Teen Universe of South Africa will take place from March 21 to March 23, featuring:

• Friday, March 21 – Community outreach program
• Saturday, March 22 – Fashion and cultural extravaganza
• Sunday, March 23 – Grand finale

Special guests include Miss Universe Zimbabwe Sakhile Dube and Miss Earth Zimbabwe Kimberly Tatenda, adding to the excitement of this prestigious event.

As Miss Teen Universe of South Africa continues to grow, Ntombi Gumede’s visionary approach to pageantry is setting a new standard—one that prioritizes empowerment, leadership, and long-lasting impact over fleeting glamour.