Glamour Meets Purpose at the Mr and Miss TUT Polokwane 2025 Pageant

By Nosipho Mnyandu

A blend of glamour, confidence, and competition lit up the Bolivia Lodge hall as the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Polokwane Campus hosted the Mr and Miss TUT Polokwane pageant on 24 October. The event was nothing short of inspiring, as finalists took to the stage to vie for the ultimate titles.

The finalists calling to an end against GBV with an impressive performance on stage


Opening the ceremony was Nduvho Gudumi from the Campus Rector’s Office, who also served as the event organiser under the Directorate of Extracurricular Development (DED). In his welcoming address, Gudumi expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone in attendance, dedicating the day to all finalists regardless of the outcome. His words set a tone of encouragement and excitement for the evening.

This year’s pageant marked the second hosted by the Polokwane Campus, following the successful debut in 2023. The 2025 edition placed a stronger emphasis on leadership, encouraging contestants to demonstrate qualities that inspire and uplift others both on and off campus. The judging panel included Antonia Chiloane and Koketso Seoloana, the president and founder of the Student Kulture movement.

The evening began with a powerful group performance themed “End Gender-Based Violence,” highlighting the importance of speaking out against this societal issue. Contestants later faced the judges in a question-and-answer session focused on their ambitions, values, and impact as future leaders.

Mr and Miss TUT of 2025 Letago Kekana (right) and Sharon Lebea (left).


After showcasing their confidence and style in three segments namely casual wear, swimwear, and formal wear, the winners were crowned as follows:

Mr TUT Polokwane 2025: Letago Kekana
1st Prince: Kamogelo Ngobeni
2nd Prince: Cyril Chauke

Miss TUT Polokwane 2025: Sharon Lebea
1st Princess: Kim Taelo Malema
2nd Princess: Bonolo Sello

From left to right - Bonolo Sello (2nd Princess), Sharon Lebea (Miss TUT), Kim Malema (1st Princess)





From left to right - Kamogelo Ngobeni (1st Prince), Letago Kekana (Mr TUT), Cyril Chauke (2nd Prince)





Sharing his excitement after being crowned, third-year Information and Communication Technology student Letago Kekana reflected on his journey. “I have always wanted to participate since my first year, but I never made it. This was my one opportunity, and I seized it with both hands. Being crowned Mr TUT 2025 is truly an honour,” he said.

Closing the evening, Phumudzo Simangwe from the DED Polokwane Campus commended the participants for their dedication and spirit. He also announced plans to make future pageants more inclusive, with categories that will celebrate Miss TUT Plus Size and the LGBTQIA+ community. “We want to show that everyone is welcome to participate and shine in their own way,” said Simangwe.

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