By Zipporah Maubane
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – November 8, 2025– History is being made in Durban as ten exceptional women compete in the inaugural Miss Polo Universe Africa, the continental leg of the prestigious Miss Polo Universe Dubai. Founded by Palesa Matjekane, a former Mrs. South Africa, the pageant represents a bold reimagining of beauty competitions — one that places education, entrepreneurship, and values at its core.
The multi-day event, which began today, will culminate this Sunday with the crowning of Miss Polo Universe Africa 2025. The winner will receive a life-changing prize package and the all expenses paid participation of the Queen and two Princess ( Runnerups) to the value of R100 000.00 in Dubai for the global Finals at the end of November this year.
Unlike traditional pageants, Miss Polo Universe Africa celebrates modesty and substance over spectacle. The competition evaluates contestants on their educational achievements, entrepreneurial vision, leadership potential, and commitment to creating meaningful change in their communities.
Miss Polo Universe Africa is not just about beauty — it’s about building a generation of women leaders who will shape our continent’s future,” said Palesa Matjekane, Founder and Owner of Miss Polo Universe Africa. “We are creating a platform where intelligence, education, and purpose take center stage. These ten remarkable women embody the values of modesty, ambition, and excellence that Africa needs to see celebrated. This is only the beginning. My vision is to establish Miss Polo Universe Africa as a flagship annual event for KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa — a beacon that attracts the continent’s brightest young women and showcases the very best of African talent to the world.
The pageant aligns with the global Miss Polo Universe movement, which unites women from around the world in a celebration of beauty, intelligence, education, and empowerment. More than a pageant, it is a movement rooted in advocacy and purpose, championing leadership, cultural pride, and educational impact on a global stage.
“I am deeply grateful to our sponsors who believed in this vision and made it possible to bring Miss Polo Universe to Africa,” added Matjekane. “Their support demonstrates a shared commitment to investing in women’s empowerment and creating pathways for African women to excel on the global stage.”
The coronation ceremony takes place this Sunday in Durban, where one of the ten finalists will make history as the first-ever Miss Polo Universe Africa.
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About Miss Polo Universe Africa
Miss Polo Universe Africa is the continental chapter of Miss Polo Universe Dubai, dedicated to celebrating African women who exemplify beauty, intelligence, education, and leadership. Founded by former Mrs. South Africa Palesa Matjekane, the pageant promotes modesty, educational excellence, and entrepreneurship while providing winners with transformative opportunities for personal and professional growth.