Melissa Nayimuli

Last updated
Melissa Nayimuli
Melissa Nayimuli on GrandTV.jpg
Nayimuli at Miss Universe 2025
Born (1996-01-02) 2 January 1996 (age 29)
Butterworth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
OccupationsTelevision & film creative; model; voice artist; storyteller
Beauty pageant titleholder
TitleMiss Universe South Africa 2025
Years active2020–present
Major
competition(s)		 Miss South Africa 2020
(Top 5)
Miss South Africa 2023
(Top 5)
Miss Universe South Africa 2025
(Appointed)
Miss Universe 2025
(Unplaced)

Melissa Nayimuli (born 2 January 1996) is a South African beauty pageant titleholder, producer, voice artist and storyteller. In October 2025, she was officially crowned Miss Universe South Africa 2025 and represented South Africa at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand. [1]

Contents

Life and career

Nayimuli was born in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, into a multicultural home as her mother is Xhosa and her father Ugandan. [1] She has publicly recounted experiencing xenophobic treatment in South Africa and stated her advocacy focus is on unity and inclusivity across the African continent. [2]

Following training in television and film production, Nayimuli has worked in South Africa's creative sector as a producer, model and voice-artist. [3]

Pageantry

Nayimuli competed in the Miss South Africa 2020 competition and placed in the top five. She was a Top 5 finalist in the Miss South Africa 2023 contest. On 22 October 2025, she was announced as the winner of the national crown of Miss Universe South Africa 2025 via the organisation African Beauty International, and represented South Africa at the international Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand. [1]

Personal life

On 7 December 2025, Nayimuli announced her engagement to film producer Mandla N. The engagement took place while she was in Thailand for Miss Universe events. [4]

Advocacy and platform

Nayimuli's public messaging has been themes of hope, unity, inclusivity and transformation. In her own words, she aims to “start conversations that are aimed at repairing the damage caused by xenophobia, not only in South Africa but all over the African continent.” [1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Manuel, Compiled by Marilynn. "Melissa Nayimuli crowned Miss Universe SA 2025, headed to finale in Thailand". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
  2. ↑ Makhura, Kamogelo (2008-03-04). "Melissa Nayimuli, a former Miss SA 2023 finalist, to represent South Africa at Miss Universe 2025". IOL. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
  3. ↑ Simpasa, Precious (2025-10-23). "5 things to know about Miss South Africa's Melissa Nayimuli". The South African. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
  4. ↑ Nontsele, Chuma (2025-12-08). "Film director Mandla N and Miss Universe SA 2025 Melissa Nayimuli announce engagement". News24.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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