Miss Lebanon South Africa 2025: Celebrating Beauty, Culture and Legacy

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I was lucky enough to be invited to the Miss Lebanon South Africa 2025 pageant, held on 6 September 2025 at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace, and while I am not Lebanese myself, I walked into the theatre with a mix of curiosity and excitement. The culture, the traditions, even the way the evening unfolded were new to me. But what unfolded on that stage was nothing short of magical, and by the end of the night, I felt like I had been embraced as part of a much bigger family.

The stage was not just dressed in glittering gowns and shimmering backdrops. It radiated legacy, laughter, and love. After more than a decade away, this cultural cornerstone stepped back into the spotlight, carrying with it not just the weight of history but also the joy of renewal. It was a night where Lebanon and South Africa seemed to move in perfect step together, two communities uniting through pride, culture, and celebration.

Of course, there were crowns, sashes, and prizes, and those mattered a great deal to the contestants. But the evening was about more than competition. It was about the return of something deeply missed since 2013, a platform where Lebanese women could celebrate their pride, grace, and voice in front of an audience that cheered like kin, turning the whole night into something closer to a reunion than a formal pageant.

And at the very centre of it all was a moment that reminded everyone why this pageant mattered so deeply. The night carried the memory of the late Delores Basel, the matriarch who had shaped Miss Lebanon South Africa since the 1960s. What followed was not just a ceremony but a heartfelt celebration of her life. Video messages from past contestants recalled how she believed in them before they believed in themselves. Her children and grandchildren stood with pride as they spoke of her love for community. Friends shared stories that drew both laughter and tears, painting the portrait of a woman whose legacy stretched far beyond the stage. Delores was remembered not only for her vision and organisational brilliance, but for her boundless compassion and her unshakable conviction that Lebanese culture should always be honoured, wherever it found a home. The theatre swelled with applause after each tribute, and in that sound you could hear love itself.

From the moment the contestants walked onto the stage, the evening erupted into colour and energy. Each young woman radiated not only outer beauty but the deeper kind that shines through heritage and self-assurance. The crowd leaned in, clapped, shouted encouragement, and in some cases practically roared when their favourites appeared. It was a joyful racket, the sort of cheer that leaves your ears ringing but your heart swelling.

The line-up of contestants was nothing short of remarkable, showcasing the diversity, elegance, and spirit of young Lebanese women in South Africa. Taking to the stage were Cassidy Mansour, Chelsey Kalil, Lily Zackey, Bridget Zackey, Mckayla Zackey, Chloe Bechus, Perla Jbara, Callista Kalil, Charell Ashcroft, Kylie Thomas, Keanna Coutinho, and Morgan David. Each contestant radiated her own unique presence, yet together they created a united showcase of pride, heritage, and grace that electrified the theatre.

Traditional dances, live performances, and cultural showcases filled the spaces between segments. Dancers spun across the stage in bursts of music that blended old-world Lebanese rhythm with modern flair. Performers like Neil Solomon, Carl Straussner, Tarryn Rego Edworthy, The Cirk, Tamara Dey, Michael Constantinides, Pano performing Alf Layla, Ayanda Bandla, Greg Georgiades, King Edward VII School, Victoria Botha, and St Dominic’s School made the night pulse with creativity and energy. Every act carried its own spark, lifting the pageant beyond beauty into a celebration of culture in its fullest sense.

The contestants themselves were more than poised figures in gowns, though they did look breathtaking. Each embodied a different flavour of Lebanese identity: some bold and fiery, others gentle and thoughtful, all of them united by grace. Watching them, you could not help but feel proud, even if you were not Lebanese yourself. It was a parade of elegance, confidence, and hope.

A panel of respected judges brought their expertise and passion for culture, art, and community. Releboga “Rea” Malatji, Head Judge and Miss World South Africa Head Judge, combined her background in music and advocacy. Carol Bouwer, President of Miss World South Africa and UNICEF SA’s Special Advocate, added her influence and authority. Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, the reigning Miss World South Africa, represented youth and ambition. Davina Moodley, Director of Ace Models Academy, brought decades of experience in modelling and judging. Ayanda Bandla-Ngubane, actress, presenter, and entrepreneur, rounded out the panel with her storytelling and commitment to empowerment.

Then came the moment everyone waited for. The announcement of the Second Princess sent a wave of applause across the room as Charell Ashcroft was celebrated for her warmth. The First Princess, Kylie Thomas, lit up the stage with her charm and confidence. And then, the crown. The name was read and the theatre erupted in cheers so loud they might have been heard back in Beirut. The Winner: Callista Kalil. She carried herself like a queen before she even wore the crown, and now, with it upon her head, she symbolised the fusion of tradition and modernity. Her grace was undeniable, her presence magnetic, and the roar of the crowd confirmed that the judges had made the right choice.

Charell Ashcroft, Callista Kalil and Kylie Thomas

Special titles brought even more sparkle to the night. Keanna Couthino took home Miss Congeniality, beloved by her fellow contestants for her kindness and warmth. Chloe Bechus was awarded Miss Photogenic; her natural elegance in front of the camera was impossible to ignore. And Callista herself not only claimed the crown of Miss Lebanon South Africa 2025, but also the title of Miss Cedars, making her triumph all the more extraordinary.

As the crowns were placed, as the sashes settled, and as the applause refused to die down, it became clear this was not just a return. It was a rebirth. Miss Lebanon South Africa had been absent for too long, and yet, the moment it stepped back into the light, it felt as though it had never left. The energy in the theatre proved that the Lebanese community in South Africa is vibrant, proud, and eager to celebrate its heritage. The contestants were ambassadors, the performers storytellers, and the crowd active participants in a living tradition.

Attending Miss Lebanon South Africa 2025 was less about witnessing a pageant and more about being folded into a family. It was, in short, a night that proved what Delores Basel always believed: that culture lives through people, and when people come together in celebration, there is no legacy more powerful.