Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
21 April 2026
On Monday, 20 April 2026, the executive of Bethal Management Area hosted Miss Mpumalanga 2026, Masibulele Mndebele, at the Bethal Correctional Centre.
Mndebele was crowned Miss Mpumalanga on 11 April 2026 at AFM Communio Auditorium in Mbombela.
She was born and bred in Bethal. The 24-year-old began to follow her childhood dream of becoming a model in 2015.
In the following year, she enrolled at Blush Model School to study modelling.
Afterwards, she studied media studies, specialising in television, at Boston Media House.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Bethal Management Area, invited her for the purposes of congratulating her for achieving the first prize and to provide an opportunity to motivate female offenders.
In her welcoming remarks, Ms Nelisiwe Mndebele, the acting Head of Bethal Correctional Centre, congratulated the newly crowned Miss Mpumalanga for the achievement.
She also appreciated her for availing herself at the DCS. She also encouraged offenders to listen with open hearts and minds. “We do this because we believe that every person has the potential to change.
This is a moment of an opportunity to be inspired and reflect on a future beyond this place,” said Nelisiwe Mndebele
When delivering her keynote address, Miss Mpumalanga, introduced herself and informed the audience that she did not visit the Correctional Centre because of a title, but she was there as a young woman who believes in second chances and new beginnings.
Mndebele pleaded with offenders to understand that their current situation is not the definition of their entire life. “Take responsibility for your future, not with shame, but with strength. You have the power to rebuild your life.
If you do so, one day, the world will not see the place you have been but who you have chosen to become.
I encourage you to build a relationship with God,” she continued.
The Area Coordinator for Corporate Services in the Bethal Management Area, Mr Mzwamakhaya, congratulated Masibulele Mndebele on behalf of the Management for having been recently crowned Miss Mpumalanga 2026.
He praised Miss Mpumalanga 2026 for being a “beacon of hope” who brings immense pride to her hometown of Bethal.
“You are more than just a crown; you are a voice, a leader, and an inspiration to all young women.
Continue to lead with compassion and intelligence,” he lauded.
He further indicated that the doors of Bethal Management Area are always open for her to form partnerships with the Department of Correctional Services in community outreach programmes.
