“Let’s Vote”: Mzansi Cheers as Miss Grand South Africa Stuns in Her National Costume
- A video of Miss Grand South Africa’s national costume presentations drew national attention and pride ahead of the Miss Grand International 2025 final.
- Her Blue Crane-inspired costume captured hearts with its graceful symbolism and striking design, representing peace, strength, and South African pride
- The post sparked excitement and admiration as fans praised Boitshepo Lamola’s elegance, purpose, and poise on the global stage
- Briefly News reached out to Prudence Mukheli, a fashion designer and founder of MP Designs based in Bedfordview, and to Anna, a fashion designer and founder of Anna Fashion Designer, to gain insight into the artistry and emotion behind national pageant gowns
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South Africans rallied behind Boitshepo Lamola after clips of her performances at Miss Grand International 2025 went viral.
Source: Instagram
The Preliminary Competition took place on 15 October 2025 at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand, which was broadcast live on GrandTV, the pageant’s official YouTube channel. During the show, Boitshepo showcased a breathtaking Blue Crane-inspired national costume, designed by Heidi Couture and the Hollywood Costumes team. The flowing blue-grey feathers paid tribute to South Africa’s national bird, symbolising grace, dignity, and resilience, a message of inner strength and peace.
Earlier this year, Boitshepo Lamola was crowned Miss Grand South Africa 2025 on 28 June 2025 at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace, where thirty-one contestants competed for the title. As the founder of ‘Born To Be Grand,’ a platform addressing education inequality and violence within broken systems, Boitshepo continues to inspire with her beauty, advocacy, and purpose. She will proudly represent South Africa at the Miss Grand International 2025 Final, scheduled for 18 October 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.
In the video posted by TikTok user @yanelisabokveld posted the video on 15 October 2025, it showed the design of the national gown, blending tradition with contemporary flair. Viewers noted how the beadwork, fabric choice, and accents spoke to South Africa’s diverse cultural identity while remaining elegant and pageant-ready. The gown seemed crafted to reflect both local artistry and global appeal, making it not just a statement of fashion but one of national pride. Her confidence in carrying the look suggested she understood the symbolic weight she carried as she prepared to step onto the global stage.
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Beauty, pride and elegance on display
Within one day of posting, the video received more than 2,000 likes and dozens of supportive comments from South Africans across the country. Fans tagged friends, expressed belief in her potential, and showed excitement for her journey ahead. As the clip began circulating beyond TikTok into other social media platforms, more people joined the conversation, offering encouragement and predictions for how far she might go. The momentum underscored how invested South Africans are in seeing their representatives succeed internationally.
The reaction was warm, proud, and full of enthusiasm. Many admired the gown as a tribute to South African creativity and cultural expression. The support showed that for many people, pageants are more than shows; they are opportunities to unite, to showcase identity, and to celebrate women who carry the nation’s hopes. What started as a fashion reveal turned into a moment of national solidarity, giving fans confidence in her path ahead.
Speaking to Briefly News, Prudence Mukheli shared her thoughts on what truly makes a national gown stand out on an international stage. She believes that beyond the glitz and glamour, what sets a gown apart is its emotional depth, the story it tells and the pride it carries.
“For me, a national gown should tell a story that words can’t fully express,” she said. “It’s more than just beauty and sparkle; it’s about emotion, identity, and pride. When a gown walks out, it must make people feel something. It should carry the soul of the designer, the strength of the woman wearing it, and the spirit of the country it represents.”
Prudence added that authenticity is what truly captures the world’s attention.
“When you design from the heart, rooted in who you are, it always translates powerfully. I love drawing inspiration from the richness of South African cultures: the bold geometric patterns of the Ndebele, the vibrant Venda beadwork that symbolises unity and celebration, or the regal presence of Tswana and Sotho women who wear their heritage with such grace.”
When asked how South African designers can balance cultural symbolism with modern fashion trends, Prudence explained that the two should not be seen as opposites but as beautifully complementary forces. For her, the real artistry lies in blending heritage with innovation to create designs that speak to both the past and the future.
“I think the magic happens when we stop separating culture and modernity, because for us as South Africans, they coexist beautifully. We come from such a rich mix of traditions, colours, and textures, but we’re also incredibly forward-thinking and innovative.”
She went on to share examples of how she brings this balance to life in her work. She added:
“I might take Venda-inspired bead patterns but render them with Swarovski crystals or metallic gold accents to give them a couture finish. Or I could use a traditional Ndebele colour palette; those bright reds, yellows, and blues, but apply it in a sleek, structured silhouette that fits global runway standards. The essence of our culture stays intact, but the presentation evolves. Our traditions don’t have to stay in the past. They can walk confidently into the future, reimagined in elegance and luxury.”
According to Prudence, these global moments not only elevate individual designers but also reshape how South African fashion is perceived internationally.
“These platforms give South African designers a voice in global conversations about fashion. They allow the world to see that we are not just followers of trends but creators of culture. A gown designed here can easily stand next to pieces from Paris, Milan, or New York, because our craftsmanship and storytelling are world-class.”
She concluded by reflecting on how inspiring these moments can be for young creatives.
“When they see something proudly South African being celebrated internationally, it ignites something, a belief that we belong there too. Our fashion isn’t just fabric and thread; it’s emotion, history, and identity. Pageants remind the world that South African fashion has a heartbeat; vibrant, soulful, and powerful.”
In a thoughtful conversation, Anna shared with Briefly News how storytelling, culture, and innovation come together to make South African fashion shine on the global stage. Anna believes that what truly makes a national gown stand out is its ability to tell a story, one that carries emotion, identity, and national pride beyond what words can express.
“A national gown stands out when it tells a story, one that captures the essence of the country through creativity, culture, and craftsmanship. Beyond beauty, it should evoke emotion and national pride, with every detail, from silhouette to colour, reflecting meaning and artistry.”
For Anna, a gown is not merely an outfit but a living canvas, a reflection of the country’s spirit and the designer’s soul. Each design choice should represent something uniquely South African while speaking the universal language of beauty and elegance. When it comes to balancing tradition with modern trends, Anna believes the two can exist harmoniously through innovation and intention. She explained that merging cultural elements with contemporary fashion allows South African designers to stay authentic while appealing to global audiences.
“It’s about merging heritage with innovation. Our traditional prints, beadwork, and symbolism can be beautifully reimagined in modern silhouettes and fabrics. By blending old and new thoughtfully, designers can honour our roots while keeping South African fashion globally relevant and fresh.”
Source: TikTok
Mzansi show support for Miss South Africa
Hope Ndinga said:
“Vote, vote, vote, guys, on the Miss Grand International website.”
Teboho commented:
“I can’t wait for her preliminary performance. 🔥”
Thembi wrote:
As a model, I’ve never seen anyone with this kind of energy and confidence. It’s on another level.”
Mahlatse asked:
“How do we vote?”
Mmatheko Zanele Mash said:
“Where’s the vuvuzela, guys? How do we vote for her? 💙”
Siphesihle Promise Masilela commented:
“Oh, she’s definitely the queen she thinks she is! 🫰🏽❤️🤭”
Queen Aluta Mamabears added:
“Go engage on Miss Grand International’s Instagram, like her videos and pictures with ❤️ emojis. 👌👌”
Kagiso Deenick J wrote:
“She really served, hey, the confidence, the presence, everything!”
Check out the TikTok video below:
3 Other Briefly News stories about pageants
- The 2025 Miss South Africa pageant has had several changes, including the judging panel and voting process.
- Miss SA top 10 finalist Bridgette Jones, who is based in the Western Cape, faces bullying allegations.
- Former beauty queen Velaze Vinolia Mabele paid tribute to Nathi Mthethwa.
Source: Briefly News
