SOWETO-BORN Tshego Gaelae has made history, being crowned Mrs World at this year’s prestigious grand finale event in Las Vegas, becoming the first Black woman to win the title in the pageant’s 40-year history.

The 34-year-old attorney and 2024 Mrs South Africa Queen follows in the footsteps of Candice Abrahams, the only other South African to hold the title, who won in 2016. However, she has carved out her own path with a groundbreaking victory that marks a significant milestone in the Mrs World competition, the longest-running and most prestigious international pageant for married women.

Gaelae captivated the judges and audience in an elegant, custom-made white dress adorned with intricate beadwork and embroidery by South African designer Claris by Gerrit Pienaar.

Beyond her striking looks and beauty, she stood out for her trademark poise, intelligence, warmth, and sincere commitment to her advocacy work, which focuses on empowering women.

As her name was called and the coveted Mrs World crown was placed on her head, she found herself at a loss for words, holding back tears of joy in gratitude for the achievement.

As Mrs World 2025, Tshego Gaelae joins an elite group of titleholders who use their voices to create lasting change. The causes she champions will be thrust into the spotlight, giving them the attention and support they deserve, and she will soon embark on a global tour, using her influence to make a difference in the lives of women while proudly flying the South African flag high on the international stage. Picture: Supplied.

“This moment is beyond my wildest imagination. I’m just a girl from Soweto, so to every woman in South Africa, this can only be for you.

“I’m deeply honoured to have been given this opportunity to represent our country on the global stage, and, going forward, I’m excited to use this platform to inspire women everywhere to embrace their power and purpose.

“To my sisters in the Mrs South Africa pageant, I say: Hold on to hope. Your dreams are right in your grasp – all you need to do is reach out and believe in your own strength,” said an emotional Gaelae.

As a loving mother and wife based in Centurion, Gauteng, Gaelae balances her family life with her mission to support women in need, and advocate for the voiceless. She is an admitted attorney currently working as a group B-BBEE and labour relations manager, as well as a social media influencer providing legal education on her YouTube channel ‘My Lawyer’s Corner’.

“I am a woman for women. I am a sister to my sisters, determined to see them become queens in their own right. sisterhood, to me, means taking a purposeful role in the success of the women around you, and giving power to the fierce women inside ourselves. I’m highly dedicated to the wins of women from all walks of life,” she added.

Applauding Gaelae’s historic achievement, CEO of Mrs South Africa, Joani Jacobs, expressed immense pride: “Tshego’s victory is not just a win for her, but for all South African women. She embodies the unconquerable power, elegance, and determination inside us all, showing that women can make a profound impact in the world by staying resilient and not shying away from leadership roles.

“We’re incredibly proud of her and know that she will use this global platform to inspire and uplift women around the world.”

Across South Africa, celebrations are in full swing, with messages and congratulations pouring in from government officials, celebrities, and countless fans who have followed her remarkable journey.