In a world where beauty standards are constantly evolving, one woman is breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms. Meet Mulalo Maphutha, Miss Curvylicious SA 2024/2025 reigning Queen, who is redefining what it means to be beautiful.
The Miss Curvylicious pageant is a pioneering platform that empowers plus-size individuals by fostering confidence and celebrating natural beauty. The organization’s mission is to deliver high-end, creative modeling services, advisory support, and consulting expertise that enable businesses and individuals to effectively promote their brands and reach a diverse global audience.
With a vision to establish a leading modeling agency, Miss Curvylicious aims to compete with top industry brands while promoting inclusivity, diversity, and body positivity. By providing a platform for plus-size models and individuals to shine, the organization seeks to redefine beauty standards and make a lasting impact in the industry.
Mulalo’s journey in the world of pageantry began at a young age. Originally from Meadowlands in Soweto, and growing up in Ga-Masemola, she was fascinated by beauty and elegance, often adorning her toys with accessories like earrings and necklaces. This childhood fascination blossomed into a love for pageantry during her high school years, inspired by role models like Vinoliah Mashego and the Miss South Africa pageant.
She started by participating in local competitions like Miss Sadtu Masemola 1994, where she was crowned First Princess. After this, she had the opportunity to compete in Miss Sadtu Sekhukhune, earning the title of Second Princess. For Mulalo, pageants have become an integral part of her life, having a profoundly positive impact on her self-esteem and confidence.
“Pageants can offer opportunities for personal growth, helping you develop skills like public speaking, leadership, and time management,” Mulalo says. As Miss Curvylicious SA, Mulalo has had the opportunity to inspire and promote body positivity, self-love, and confidence. She believes that every woman deserves to feel seen, heard, and celebrated.
According to Mulalo, diversity is what makes us beautiful and therefore we should all embrace it together. This can help break down barriers and challenge societal norms. She shares that she wants to inspire young girls and women to love themselves, just as they are. As a role model, Mulalo thrives to promote positivity, kindness, and empathy.
As a message of hope for women battling with body positivity, Mulalo offers words of encouragement. “You are not alone in this journey. There are women all around you who are fighting the same battles and celebrating the same victories. Let’s lift each other up, rather than tearing each other down. We are stronger together!”, she said.
Mulalo inspires her fellow queens with powerful words, reminding them that they are enough just as they are, and that their curves and uniqueness are their greatest strengths. She encourages them to believe in themselves, letting their confidence shine authentically rather than comparing themselves to others. She urges them to strive to be the best version of themselves, embracing their flaws and letting their authenticity sparkle. With a rallying cry, she empowers them to own their stage presence and slay their goals.
When she’s not reigning as Miss Curvylicious SA, Mulalo loves to celebrate her province’s unique history and traditions. “I love my province’s rich history, from the legendary Queen Modjadji to the beautiful mountains and tourist destinations like Venda and Magoebaskloof,” she says. “We still practice our traditions, go to initiation schools, and perform traditional dances like Kiba and Makgakgasa.”
With her infectious energy and empowering message, Mulalo Maphutha is sure to inspire a new generation of women to love themselves and celebrate their uniqueness.
