Night of elegance, empowerment as Stellenbosch’s beauties are crowned

The annual Mr and Miss Stellenbosch 2025 pageant transformed Van der Stel Hall into a glamorous Hollywood Oscars-themed spectacle on Saturday 27 September.

The sold-out event brought the community together in black-tie splendour for an evening celebrating elegance, excellence and empowerment.

This community-driven platform transcends traditional pageantry, serving as an initiative that empowers ambassadors of change while promoting education, respect, and tolerance. Finalists participated in community service projects as part of their scoring, with pre-event workshops building confidence and preparing them for meaningful roles as community representatives.

The evening showcased professional production values, with JKM Sound providing exceptional staging, lighting, and audio. Guests enjoyed finger food platters and beverages while local talents PJ Plaatjies and Winay aka Mandela delivered captivating performances that kept the audience engaged throughout the night.

The crowning ceremony highlighted the event’s inclusivity, with the winners representing various communities across Stellenbosch:

• Miss Tiny: Alexa Opperman (Central Stellenbosch);
• Miss Toddler: Skyler Goeieman (Devon Valley);
• Miss Pre-Teen: Gia-Lee Paulse (Jamestown);
• Mr Teen: Keagan Goeieman (Devon Valley);
• Miss Teen: Sade Baron (Cloetesville);
• Mr Stellenbosch: Luyanda Claassen (Khayamandi);
• Miss Stellenbosch: Jemeka Fortuin;
• Mrs Stellenbosch: Charmain Ewerts (Franschhoek); and
• Miss LGBT: Tamara Brooks (Cloetesville).

The show opened on a poignant note, with a candlelit vigil honouring Jeanette Christiaans, a 2025 Mrs Stellenbosch finalist who died in September, reflecting the fundamental values on which the pageant is built, including compassion.

The judging panel included Women’s Springbok rugby player Alicia Willemse, fashion designer Ridovane Martin, model and philanthropist Kay-Dee Adams, and community builder Stephanie Benjamin. Kyle Adam, former Mr Stellenbosch and owner of Vine and Vow Events, served as auditor.

Social media buzzed with praise for the organisation, production quality and performances. Cloetesville High School teacher Miss Crombie commended pageant director Queen Enigma von Hamburg, while parent Desmaree Claassen expressed gratitude for the journey. Organisers plan a grander event for next year.

• Von Hamburg continues her mission of community upliftment, with supporters encouraged to contact her on 078 515 9645.