Luyanda Zuma

Last updated
Luyanda Zuma
Luyanda Zuma on Soweto TV.jpg
Zuma as Miss South Africa 2025 finalist
Born
Luyanda Zuma

(2001-12-03) 3 December 2001 (age 23)
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Education AFDA
Occupations
  • Model
  • actress
Height1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
Beauty pageant titleholder
Title Miss Charm South Africa 2023
Hair colorBlack
Eye colorBrown
Major
competitions

Luyanda Zuma (born 3 December 2001) is a South African actress and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned the first Miss Charm South Africa 2023 and represented South Africa in Vietnam and was placed in the Top 6.

Contents

She was participated in Miss South Africa 2022 where she was placed in the Top 10 and she is currently Miss South Africa 2025 1st Runner-Up. Beside being a beauty pageant titleholder, she has played starring role in Mzansi Magic notable series Shaka iLembe as Liyana and lead role teen drama Obstruction as Zenokuhle where she rose to prominence.

Life and career

Early life

Zuma was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. [1] She grew up in a close knit family with three siblings, her mother is a primary school principal and her father works as a forensic investigator. [2] [3] From a young age, she showed interest in sports and participated in field hockey, and later represented KwaZulu-Natal in provincial hockey. [4] [5] [6]

Zuma attended AFDA, The School for the Creative Economy in Johannesburg, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Live Performance. [7] [8]

Career

Besides her pageantry career, Zuma is also an actress. [9] [10] In 2022, she made her television debut in the drama series Uzulu Nomhlaba as Zama. [11] She rose to prominence after playing the lead role of Zenokuhle in a Mzansi Magic drama Obstruction. [12] [13] That same year, she appeared in the Showmax television series Forever Yena portraying the character Naomi. [14] [15]

In 2025, she later starred as Liyana in the popular cultural television series Shaka iLembe season 2. [16] [17] She also had a recurring role in the Showmax drama Adulting season 3 appearing as Mapaseka’s close friend. [18] In October 2025, she bagged the starring role in a local drama series Levels as Captain Mo while participating in 67th edition of Miss South Africa. [19] [20]

Endorsements

She was announced as brand ambassador for the sanitary brand Always, positioning her as a public figure for women’s confidence and empowerment. [21]

Pageantry

Miss South Africa 2022

In 2022, Zuma began her beauty pageant career where she entered the 64th edition of the Miss South Africa pageant. [22] [23] She was selected as one of the Top 10 finalists on 13 June 2022. [24] [25] She represented KwaZulu-Natal hailing from Pietermaritzburg in the competition. [26]

Miss Charm 2023

In 2023, Zuma represented South Africa at the international pageant Miss Charm 2023 held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. [27] [28] She was officially designated as Miss Charm South Africa 2023 by the pageant’s national organisers becoming the first South African beauty pageant to held the title. [29] During the competition, she advanced into the Top 6 finalists. [30] [31]

Miss South Africa 2025

In 2025, Zuma returned to the Miss South Africa pageant, three years after her first appearance in 2022. [32] [33] Her entry video went viral with millions of views and likes all over the internet and social media platforms. [34] [35] She was officially announced as one of the Top 10 finalists on 16 September 2025. [36] [37] She entered the competition with a renewed sense of purpose and using the platform to uplift young people and communities. [38] [39] On the 25th October 2025, she was crowned the new Miss South Africa 2025 1st Runner-Up where by Qhawekazi Mazaleni was crowned the winner. [40] [41] [42]

Controversy

After Zuma was crowned the new Miss South Africa 2025 first runner-up, the Miss South Africa Organisation warned the public about a scam using her name to solicit fake donations. [43] [44] [45] A social media post falsely claimed to raise R20 000 on her behalf. [46] [47] She denied any involvement and urged her followers not to engage with the fraudulent campaign. [48]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
2022Uzulu NomhlabaZamaRecurring role
2024Forever YenaNaomiStarring role
ObstructionZenokuhleLead role
2025 Adulting Mapaseka's friendRecurring role, season 3
Shaka iLembe LiyanaStarring role, season 2
LevelsCaptain MoStarring role

Awards and nominations

YearAssociationCategoryNominated worksResultRef.
2025 Feather Awards Hot Chick of the YearHerselfWon [49]
National Film and TV AwardsBest NewcomerAs Liyana on Shaka iLembe season 2Pending [50]
2026Africa Choice AwardsMost Promising Female Movie Star of the YearHerselfPending [51]

References

  1. ↑ Ndwandwe, Minenhle (2022-01-19). "Four fly KZN flag in Miss SA competition". Cape Argus. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  2. ↑ "5 minutes with actress Luyanda Zuma". TimesLIVE. 2025-10-23. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  3. ↑ Ramalepe, Phumi. "'So proud': Luyanda Zuma's family celebrates her Miss SA success and bright future ahead". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  4. ↑ "Miss SA hopeful Luyanda Zuma overcame colourism and body issues". Sowetan. 2022-06-28. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  5. ↑ Tleane, Lebo (2025-09-19). "Actress Luyanda Zuma Expresses Immense Gratitude for Miss South Africa Top 10 Selection". Youth Village. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  6. ↑ Tleane, Lebo (2025-04-09). "Former Miss SA top 10 Finalist Luyanda Zuma Makes A Come Back to the Pageant". Youth Village. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  7. ↑ Maako, Keitumetse. "Miss South Africa 2025 reveals top 10, including Shaka iLembe's Luyanda Zuma". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  8. ↑ "Shaka iLembe star Luyanda Zuma one of 10 finalists vying for Miss SA 2025". Sowetan. 2025-09-16. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  9. ↑ "Luyanda Zuma: The new It-girl". Sowetan. 2025-06-13. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  10. ↑ Kwazi, Thami (2025-10-22). "Miss South Africa finalist and actress Luyanda Zuma: From pageant dreams to stardom". The Citizen. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  11. ↑ "Miss SA finalist Luyanda Zuma leads new Mzansi Magic teen drama Obstruction | Mzansi Magic | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  12. ↑ Seleme, Rae (2024-02-25). "Miss SA finalist Luyanda Zuma lands role in 'Obstruction'". The South African. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  13. ↑ Zuma, Mbalenhle (2024-03-14). "Model Luyanda Zuma grateful for leading cast of teen drama series". Sunday World. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  14. ↑ Nkonki, Anita (2024-02-13). "A glimpse into local love stories to watch this Valentine's Day". The Star. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  15. ↑ Seleme, Rae (2024-02-09). "Miss SA finalist Luyanda Zuma lands role in 'Forever Yena'". The South African. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  16. ↑ Tladi, Ofentse. "Rising Star | Luyanda Zuma on playing Shaka Zulu's love interest". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  17. ↑ Keteyi, Oluthando (2025-05-21). "Luyanda Zuma on joining the cast of season 2 of 'Shaka iLembe'". IOL. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  18. ↑ "Rising Stars: Nandi Khubone, Kealeboga Masango, Luyanda Zuma & SA's Next Wave of Talent". Urban Lifestyle. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  19. ↑ "Luyanda Zuma stars as Captain Mo in Levels and returns as Miss South Africa 2025 finalist". www.glamour.co.za. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  20. ↑ Sibiya, Sibongumenzi. "Luyanda's back for more beauty glory". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  21. ↑ Hlalane, Reabetswe (2025-10-08). "Actress Luyanda Zuma Named New Co-Brand Ambassador for Always". OkMzansi. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  22. ↑ "Luyanda Zuma hopes to take a stand against 'colourism, GBV' if she wins Miss SA". Sunday Times. 2022-07-08. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  23. ↑ Makhanya, Lethiwe. "PMB model in national pageant". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  24. ↑ Maako, Compiled by Keitumetse. "Miss SA 2025 hopeful Luyanda Zuma reflects on 'humbling' second journey to the crown". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  25. ↑ "Luyanda Zuma – Legends" . Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  26. ↑ "Miss South Africa 2022 top 10 announced". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  27. ↑ "Miss Charm 2023: Where to watch final show livestream". 2023-02-16. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  28. ↑ "Miss Charm 2023: Meet the 40 contestants". 2023-01-27. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  29. ↑ "First Miss Charm South Africa Luyanda Zuma". MISS CHARM. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  30. ↑ ErickNguyen (2023-04-07). "Outfit tốt nghiệp đẹp mê hồn của Top 6 Miss Charm 2023 – Luyanda Zuma (Nam Phi)". worldbeauties.org (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  31. ↑ "BRAZIL WINS THE FIRST EDITION OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MISS CHARM COMPETITION". MISS CHARM. 2023-02-27. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  32. ↑ Sibiya, Sibongumenzi. "Luyanda's back for more beauty glory". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  33. ↑ Chiraag (2025-10-27). "Luyanda Zuma's Miss SA Loss Sparks Social Media Storm". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  34. ↑ Zuma, Mbalenhle (2025-06-27). "Actress Luyanda Zuma breaks silence on viral Miss SA 2025 entry video". Sunday World. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  35. ↑ "10 Miss SA 2025 video submissions we can't stop watching". www.glamour.co.za. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  36. ↑ Zuma, Mbalenhle (2025-09-16). "Luyanda Zuma back in Miss SA spotlight as Top 10 is unveiled". Sunday World. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  37. ↑ SA, Official Miss (2025-09-16). "Miss South Africa 2025 Top 10 finalists announced". Miss SA. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  38. ↑ Dorasamy, Annie (2025-10-02). "From childhood dream to purpose-driven queen". IOL. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  39. ↑ Sibiya, Sibongumenzi. "Zuma reveals plans for Miss SA return!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  40. ↑ Gaanakgomo, Compiled by Constance. "Miss SA 2025 runners-up Luyanda and Karabo reflect on hope, hard work and dreaming big". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  41. ↑ Naidoo, Alicia (2025-10-26). "Miss Universe SA on Luyanda: 'Runner-up is toughest position'". The South African. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  42. ↑ Tleane, Lebo (2025-10-27). "Luyanda Zuma Expresses Immense Gratitude After Finishing as Miss South Africa 2025 1st Runner-Up". Youth Village. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  43. ↑ Makhura, Kamogelo (2025-10-29). "Luyanda Zuma' s ' petty' reaction to Miss SA loss sparks outrage among fans". IOL. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  44. ↑ Tiwane, Bonginkosi (2025-10-28). "'Do not donate': Miss SA warns of scam linked to Luyanda Zuma's name". The Citizen. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  45. ↑ Bennie, Shorné (2025-10-28). "Miss SA organisation warns of scam using Luyanda Zuma's name". The Witness. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  46. ↑ abrahamkalloor (2025-10-29). "Miss SA warns of fake fundraising scam using Luyanda Zuma's name". The Witness. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  47. ↑ Makhura, Kamogelo (2025-10-29). "Miss SA issues warning: fans beware of scammers exploiting Luyanda Zuma' s name". IOL. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  48. ↑ Ramalepe, Phumi. "How to detect fraud: Miss SA cautions against scammers exploiting Luyanda Zuma's fame". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  49. ↑ Birjalal, Alyssia (2025-10-07). "2025 Feather Awards: Luyanda Zuma, Busiswa and Lilian Dube among the night's biggest winners". IOL. Retrieved 2025-11-07.
  50. ↑ SummerRaine (2025-10-13). "Nominees announced for National Film & TV Awards South Africa". SA Music News Magazine. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  51. ↑ Moroeng, Moroba (2025-10-09). "Nomzamo Mbatha, Gail Mabalane, Thuso Mbedu and More Bag 2026 Africa Choice Awards Nominations - Briefly.co.za". briefly.co.za. Retrieved 2025-11-16.
Awards and achievements
New title Miss Charm South Africa
2023 		Succeeded by
Silindokuhle Mbali Dlamini
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