• Jamela wins R100 000 cash and other prizes.
• The newly-crowned Queen says she’s ready to use the title to inspire others.
• Second runner-up Gail Strauss, a survivor of abuse, uses the pageant to share her healing journey and inspire others.

It was a night of catwalk filled with emotion, pride, and purpose.

Inside The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City, a 40-year-old woman from Gauteng outshone her competitors to be crowned Miss Bachelorette South Africa (MBSA) 2025.

Anga Jamela, a marketing and strategic communications expert, grabbed the crown at a glittering function in Johannesburg on Saturday, 26 April 2025.

Tiyani Vukela, 25, also from Gauteng, was named First Runner-Up, while Gail Strauss, 45, from Cape Town, took home the Second Runner-Up title. Limpopo accountant Hannah Kobela (third runner-up) and Faith Nkosi completed the top five. Kobela also grabbed the Achievers Award.

A proud mother of a 13-year-old boy, Jamela saw off 12 other hopefuls to win the coveted crown, R100 000 cash, other prizes, and bragging rights.

Jamela, the sixth winner of the MBSA since its inception in 2019, impressed the judges after several rounds of catwalking in swimwear and other regalia, and fielding tough questions.

“I’m excited, overwhelmed, and truly grateful,” said Jamela in an interview with African Times. “This was a surprise—I didn’t expect to win because the women I walked this journey with are phenomenal.”

The Field Band Foundation’s soulful performance brought the event to life. Their music set the perfect tone for an evening that celebrated women’s strength and stories.

Miss Bachelorette South Africa isn’t your typical beauty pageant. It’s a platform for unmarried, independent women between the ages of 25 and 55 to raise their voices—especially in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.

“This pageant gives women a voice,” Jamela said. “It stood out to me because it’s inclusive—there are no limits on body size, height, or age. What matters is your purpose and your passion.”

Jamela holds a Master of Philosophy in Strategic Communication Management from the University of Pretoria and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand. She has encouraged women to follow their own path.

“Live your life for you. If you want to study, start a business, or simply grow in your own way—do that. Don’t live to meet society’s expectations,” said Jamela, a passionate sports enthusiast, and a devoted mother to her son.

Jamela, who was born in Adelaide in the Eastern Cape and grew up in Mpumalanga, is a member of the International Golden Key Honour Society. She currently serves as the Marketing and Communication Manager at the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. For Jamela, the strong sisterhood formed among contestants was the highlight of her pageantry experience.

Tiyani Vukela Takes First Runner-Up

Vukela, 25, from Gauteng, who took home the First Runner-Up title, joined the pageant after learning about its cause, which resonated deeply with her.

“Gender-based violence is close to my heart,” Vukela said. “This journey helped me grow and find my voice.”

She exited the stage with a clear message to young women:

“Don’t let anyone take your voice. Take back your power and speak for those who can’t,” said  Vukeya.

Gail Strauss Named Second Runner-Up

Strauss, 45, from Cape Town, was named First Runner-Up. A survivor of abuse, Strauss used the platform to share her healing journey and inspire others.

“I was molested as a child and later in an abusive relationship,” Strauss bravely shared. “Speaking out is how I continue to heal—and how I help others find their voices too.”

Strauss joined the pageant because of its mission to fight GBV and now serves as the Western Cape Ambassador for Miss Bachelorette.

“Don’t let your past define your future,” she added. “Healing is possible. If today is hard, remember—it’s just a bad day, not a bad life.”

Founder and CEO Refilwe Mogale: Changing the Narrative

The visionary behind the pageant, model Refilwe Mogale, started Miss Bachelorette SA in 2019. Her goal was to celebrate mature, single women and create a platform that speaks directly to issues like GBV and societal pressure.

“Once women reach a certain age, people start asking, ‘When are you getting married?’ That pressure can lead women into dangerous situations,” Mogale said. “This platform reminds them that they are enough—just as they are.”

Men Take a Stand

Actor and businessman Sebasa Mogale, who co-hosted the MBSA crowning finale with TV presenter Sally Sithole, shared how meaningful it is, as a man, to be part of a movement that uplifts women.

“As men, we are called to protect, love, and respect women—not harm them,” Sebasa Mogale said. “This is how we start changing society—by standing together.”

A New Chapter Begins

With inspiring stories, emotional moments, and the lively beats of the Field Foundation Band, the evening was more than just a pageant—it was a celebration of resilience, courage, and hope.

In her acceptance speech, Jamela, the newly crowned Queen, said she was ready for the mammoth task ahead.

“One journey ends, and another begins,” said Jamela. “I’m ready to use my title to inspire others and make a difference.”