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In a dazzling evening of glamour and celebration at the Sicelo Bhani Community Hall on Saturday, 11 October 2025, Babalwa Dinga was crowned Senior Queen of Miss Embo 2025/26. The 16-year-old Grade 10 learner from KwaNikhwe Village captivated judges and audiences alike, marking a proud moment for her family and community.
What happened
The Miss Embo 2025/26 pageant brought together exceptional young women from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Hosted by Yasembo Empire, the event celebrated talent, leadership, and cultural pride under the bright lights of Bizana.
Babalwa’s poise and passion for modeling earned her the top crown, continuing her impressive rise after being named Miss Personality 2024. “I’ve loved modeling from an early age,” she said before the pageant. “Being on stage makes me feel alive and confident.”
Other winners of the night included:
| Title | Winner |
| Teen Queen | Minentle Bixi |
| Junior Queen | Liyole Zoko |
| Senior Runner-Up | Asiphe Senzela |
| Teen Runner-Up | Nonjabulo Chiya |
| Junior Runner-Up | Owam Ntanjana |
| Public Choice | Sisonke Khemani |
| Miss Personality | Awande Nkainkai |
| Face of Yasembo | Liyole Zoko |
Official Response
Organizers praised the contestants for their confidence and commitment to empowerment. Yasembo Empire, the driving force behind the Miss Embo initiative, said the pageant’s goal is to help young women develop leadership skills while promoting cultural heritage.
Speaking after her crowning, Babalwa expressed deep gratitude. “I want to thank my family for their support. They’ve been my strength through everything,” she said, reflecting on her journey from KwaNikhwe to the regional stage.
Community Impact
The Miss Embo platform continues to empower girls aged 7 to 25, offering mentorship and opportunities to lead in community service projects. Babalwa’s victory symbolizes the power of determination and the importance of family support in achieving dreams.
Local residents and youth leaders have hailed her as an inspiration, noting that her success story encourages young women to pursue their passions with discipline and pride.
