Luyanda Zuma's impactful journey post Miss South Africa 2025
Miss South Africa 2025 first runner up Luyanda Zuma expressed gratitude for the love she received after the finale and shared her journey with Miss SA so far that has seen her working with the NYDA.
Image: Instagram/mkfoto
It has been over a month since the Miss South Africa 2025 finale pageant and since then the women, who are regarded as ambassadors have hit the ground running fulfilling their duties.
First runner-up Luyanda Zuma, speaking to IOL revealed how she did not expect to receive the type of love that she received from the country and getting into the type of work they are doing.
“It has only been the beginning. I mean, on the 25th of this month (November), I was celebrating a month alongside Qhawekazi. I think for me so far it's just a full moment of you know gratitude.”
Zuma has been working closely with the National Youth Development Agency and has done two engagements with them. Zuma is engaging with the NYDA to help talk about the creative economy and opportunities that help people find ways to tap into it.
“It's also just to find a way to help ease the unemployment within this country because I think we know how brilliant the creative industry can be when it opens up and creates more job opportunities.”
The 23-year-old actress and model, during the Miss SA pageant championed for the creative industry and creating opportunities in the sector.
“Just aligning people with what it takes to become creative in this country and also just keep on trying to help to find the fact that our industry is not a hobby and it's not a side hustle. It's a real industry that needs to be respected and has to be supported by all means,” she explained about her work.
Early November, Zuma attended the traditional wedding of King Misuzulu KaZwelithini and Queen Nomzamo KaMyeni-Zulu and made sure to make a strong appearance dressed in a custom Masango by Sihle.
The "Shaka iLembe" actress found her time back home in KwaZulu-Natal to be quite eventful. Her character, Liyana, who is King Shaka's love interest in the historical, award-winning drama series, was the subject of many inside jokes during her visit.
“Having to see our culture being celebrated and our culture being embraced I think they did it very very beautifully from A to C. Everything was done according to the customs that I am used to and know.
“It was also educational because certain things were being done that I didn't know were actually part of a wedding.”
Zuma also attended the GWM FamFestival and she revealed that she is quite the Lewis Hamiliton and loves cars, so attending the event was the perfect activity for her.
As the year winds down Zuma is looking forward to celebrating her birthday on December 3 and spending time with her family following the busy season. Her work engagements include delivering a keynote address at a very special event and an award.
“I don't have any crazy December plans. It's just work and having to plan for 2026 because I think I've got a lot more work to do.”
IOL