Siphelele Nketo
AFTER taking part in beauty pageants across South Africa, now Phumeza Zulu is set to represent her country on the international stage at the Classic Queen International pageant in October.
The Umzimkhulu-born beauty was crowned Miss Classic Queen South Africa 2026 on June 27 at a ceremony in Johannesburg.
She described her win as a testament to her hard work and passion. She said she entered the competition not only to display her beauty but to advocate change and growth. She has been actively involved in campaigns that empower children and inspire young models in the small area of EmaXesibeni (Mount Ayliff), where she works as a nurse at Mount Ayliff hospital.
Born in the rural village of Emmaus, Zulu launched her modelling journey in 2021 after she participated in Miss Destiny South Africa and Miss Township South Africa. She has won several titles such as Miss Face of Sinoncedo 2021, Miss Township South Africa Public Choice and Miss Township South Africa Ambassador. She has also won Miss Empowerment Eastern Cape Entrepreneur in 2022, Miss Empowerment Entrepreneur Public Choice, Miss National South Africa 2nd Runner Up, Miss National Charity and Miss National South Africa Ambassador. In 2023, she won Miss Universal Queen South Africa and in 2024 she was crowned Miss Top Model South Africa.
