Tshego Gaelae makes history as the first black woman to win Mrs. World

South African model Tshego Gaelae makes history as the first black woman to win Mrs. World Gaelae has made history as the first Black woman to win the prestigious Mrs. World pageant.
The 2025 edition of the competition, held in Las Vegas, USA, saw Gaelae claim the top spot, with Sri Lanka’s Ishadi Amanda finishing as the first runner-up and Thailand’s Ploy Panperm securing second runner-up.
This great achievement has been celebrated across South Africa, with the Mrs. South Africa organization proudly announcing:
“From Soweto to Vegas and now the World, the crown is coming home! What an honor to have a South African Queen as the 40th Anniversary Mrs. World, and the first-ever Black Mrs. World.”
Gaelae’s historic win is a significant milestone in the global beauty industry, as the Mrs. World pageant, established in 1984, has traditionally been dominated by non-Black winners.
Her victory not only represents diversity and inclusion in international pageantry but also inspires women of color worldwide to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
The Mrs. World pageant, unlike Miss Universe or Miss World, is unique as it exclusively celebrates married women, giving them a platform to showcase their achievements, confidence, and societal impact beyond traditional beauty standards.
Gaelae’s win comes at a time of rising competition between South Africa and Nigeria in the global beauty pageant scene.
In 2024, Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina made history as the first Nigerian and West African to finish as the first runner-up at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico City.
However, Adetshina’s journey was not without controversy. Originally competing in South Africa, she had to withdraw from Miss South Africa due to citizenship debates before eventually winning Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.
This growing rivalry between the two African powerhouses highlights their increasing influence in the global pageant industry, with both countries producing strong contenders for international crowns.
Gaelae’s victory is not just about South Africa but about representation for Black women worldwide. Her triumph challenges beauty norms and encourages greater diversity in pageantry.