Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
23 February 2026
24-year-old Masibulele Mndebele, born and raised in Bethal within the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, has made it to the top 10 of the Miss Mpumalanga finalists.
Mndebele’s participation in the competition transcends the titles, focusing on impact representation and empowering young women to recognise their aspirations as valid, powerful, and attainable.
She described herself as a creative, vibrant, adventurous, and aspiring filmmaker.
She is also a brand ambassador for Ntombazana Sanitofu pads, which is an initiative created by Miss Mpumalanga to keep a girl child in school and restore girls’ dignity.
Her advocacy is rooted in health and fitness as she is a long-distance runner and has a heart for sports.
“I want to use the Miss Mpumalanga platform to empower the youth to discover healthier ways to cope with life challenges. The relief often searched for in substance abuse can be found in a far healthier way through movement,” she said.
As a result, she will be hosting a race to stand up against substance abuse and is open to everyone.
It is scheduled for 07 March 2026 in Bethal Regional Park.
Members of the community can support Ms. Mdebele by taking part in the race or by simply donating to Lukhanyo Girls Foundation
Acc Number: 10 15 359 129 1
Bank: Standard Bank
Ref: Masibulele Mndebele
