Nonkululeko Sithole is a remarkable woman with a diverse and inspiring journey, known for her achievements in various fields. Hailing from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, she is a multi-talented individual who is making waves in both the entertainment industry and the healthcare sector. As of 2024, Nonkululeko holds the title of Reining MS Stellar World South Africa 2024/2025 Queen and is preparing to represent South Africa at the MS Stellar World competition in Atlanta, Georgia in 2025. Her passion for advocacy, particularly in preventing abuse against women and children, further highlights her commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Nonkululeko’s journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age, starting as a model at just six years old. She officially ventured into acting in 2016 and has since appeared in several prominent roles. Currently, she is featured in the SHOWMAX series Empini from episode 8 and plays the lead character Gugu in the SABC1 series Boarding School. Her acting portfolio also includes roles in popular shows such as Generations: The Legacy, SABC1, e.tv, Moja Love, and Mzansi Magic, where she has portrayed both lead and supporting characters.
Beyond her work in the arts, Nonkululeko is a qualified Industrial Occupational Health Medical Practitioner and is currently pursuing her second year of Law studies, demonstrating her passion for continuous learning and personal growth. Her dedication to healthcare was inspired by a deeply personal experience when her father underwent a major back spine operation in 1994, leaving him unable to walk, bend, or lift for an extended period. This challenging time in her life sparked a desire to become a nurse, leading her to study nursing at Baragwanath Nursing College. Although she initially struggled with her studies, her determination and love for the profession eventually prevailed. She learned that nursing requires deep compassion, care, and a genuine desire to help others, shaping her into the skilled and empathetic healthcare professional she is today.
Nonkululeko Sithole’s journey is filled with determination, resilience, and passion for many fields. Her story shows a blend of her commitment to the arts, health, and education, alongside her early experiences that shaped her into the powerhouse she is today. From a young age, Nonkululeko exhibited her confidence and love for speaking. She would frequently raise her hand in debates and activities at school, always eager to take part in discussions. This trait would serve her well as she ventured into the world of acting. In 2016, she relocated to Johannesburg, and the following year, she began her acting career with her first film role in Isinji, a drama that aired on Zanzibar, where she played the lead role of Thandeka.
At the same time, Nonkululeko applied to the University of Johannesburg to study Occupational Health Nursing Science. Balancing her acting career and her nursing education, she had to make a difficult choice—she resigned from her job at a government hospital to focus on acting and furthering her studies. Her decision to leave bedside nursing was influenced by her desire to specialize and not remain in the same field forever. In 2018, she pursued both acting and her Honours degree at UJ, while also attending part-time acting classes at the Market Theatre Laboratory. Despite her busy schedule, she was determined to hone her craft. Her hard work began to pay off as she landed roles in a variety of TV dramas. She appeared as a nurse on Generations, Ring of Lies, and other notable productions. Nonkululeko’s acting career flourished with roles in Side Dish (on Netflix), played a real role Tracy in Conned on SABC2, and lead roles in Boarding School (SABC1), where she plays Gugu, and eMpini (Showmax), playing Jozi-Sun receptionist starting from episode 8.
In addition to her acting roles, Nonkululeko also starred in several TV commercials and music videos. She even ventured into singing, demonstrating yet another talent. While COVID-19 impacted her career, especially in live theatre, she continues to pursue acting, even though she acknowledges that full-time theatre work requires undivided attention. Nonkululeko’s journey in modelling started in primary school, where she was selected to represent her class for Miss Valentine’s Day every year, often finishing as first or second princess. This early exposure to the world of beauty pageants carried over to her high school years, where she participated in Miss Russell Girls High, a school known for producing talented actresses and celebrities. This laid the foundation for her later success in the modelling and pageant world.
Nonkululeko’s story is one of growth, perseverance, and ambition. Whether through her advocacy for women and children, her dedication to nursing, or her acting and modelling career, she continues to inspire those around her. Nonkululeko Sithole’s journey to becoming Miss Stella World South Africa 2024/2025 is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. From a young age, she dreamt of being a queen, not for the glamour but for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Growing up, she always envisioned herself wearing a crown, whether as Mrs. South Africa or Miss South Africa, and this dream materialized when she was crowned Miss Stella World South Africa 2024/2025 in Bloemfontein City Hall on April 6, 2024. The title, which is specifically for women aged 35 to 45, has been a long-standing goal for her, and she is now preparing to represent South Africa at the Miss Stella World International competition in Atlanta, Georgia in August 2025.
Her journey into pageantry began with her early experiences in school and later at Bara Nursing College, where she participated in the Miss Bara competition and was crowned First Princess. Even though she didn’t win the top title in some of her early competitions, she persisted, and her efforts were recognized in Miss Plus SA, where she became a Humanitarian Ambassador. Her involvement in pageants has always been about promoting sisterhood and embracing women of all shapes, sizes, and life experiences, celebrating diversity and promoting self-love and empowerment.
Her advocacy for women is rooted in her belief that pageants should reflect the real world, where beauty comes in all forms. She has been passionate about creating spaces for women with children, plus-size women, and those who are divorced or in other situations often excluded from traditional beauty standards. This inclusive approach aims to uplift women, combat low self-esteem, and challenge the harmful ideals that can contribute to negative mental health outcomes, such as suicide or giving up on their dreams. Her platform in Miss Stella World South Africa is not just about beauty, but about giving back to the community, supporting those who need help, and being a voice for the voiceless.
“Being a queen is not about the crown or fame; it’s about the responsibility that comes with the title.” She said, A queen is a leader and an advocate, using her influence to help those in need, whether by securing resources for schools, orphanages, or other causes. The role involves a lot of community work, professionalism, and behind-the-scenes tasks, including working with organizations and government departments to bring attention to important causes. Nonkululeko is preparing for this role with great responsibility and dedication, knowing that the crown comes with hard work and a commitment to service.
Alongside her pageantry journey, Nonkululeko is also pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer. Her passion for law stems from her love of speaking and a childhood interest in crime scene investigations and documentaries. She finds herself deeply invested in news and enjoys watching programs related to current affairs, further fueling her desire to advocate for justice.
Through all of her achievements, Nonkululeko’s story is a reflection of her resilience, compassion, and commitment to uplifting others. Whether as a nurse, actress, or queen, she continues to inspire those around her with her unwavering belief in the power of hard work and the importance of empowering others, especially women. Nonkululeko Sithole’s passion for law and medicine is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences and her strong desire to advocate for those who may not have a voice in the face of injustice. Her interest in law began when she was young, watching crime investigations and documentaries that explored different kinds of cases. This fascination eventually led her to combine her background in healthcare with law, particularly focusing on issues related to medical negligence and patient rights.
Her decision to study law stems from a desire to represent both healthcare professionals and patients, ensuring that justice is served on both sides. Nonkululeko recalls an incident where she attended a case at the South African Nursing Council, where a nurse and doctor were being sued by a family. Observing the case, she realized that if she had been there as a lawyer, there were key questions she would have asked the medical professionals. This inspired her to pursue law so she could represent both medical practitioners who might be wrongfully accused and patients who may be victims of negligence.
Her goal is to ensure that those in the medical field are held accountable for their actions and that patients and families who feel wronged have a legal advocate to fight for them. Nonkululeko is adamant that if a healthcare professional is found to have done wrong, whether due to negligence or mistreatment, they should face the consequences. Her personal stance on truth is very clear: she believes that if a healthcare worker is in the wrong, she will not represent them. She holds that integrity is paramount and that her goal is to help those who may not have the resources or knowledge to fight for themselves.
Nonkululeko’s background as a nurse and her current role as a specialized occupational health practitioner in industrial and mining settings gives her unique insight into the healthcare system, making her well-suited to advocate for medical rights. She has also worked as an audiometrist, biometrist, and vision screener, which contributes to her well-rounded understanding of the healthcare industry. Despite not working as a bedside nurse anymore, her passion for helping people and ensuring quality care remains strong.
She also pursued studies on venom and snakes, attending a course at FPD University in Johannesburg to better understand how different kinds of venom impact human health. This reflects her deep curiosity about the medical field and the world around her, as well as her commitment to expanding her knowledge to be an informed advocate. At the core of her ambition is a desire to serve the community. Whether through pageantry or law, Nonkululeko is committed to helping the underprivileged, ensuring that their voices are heard, and that they receive the justice and respect they deserve. As she continues to study law and pursue her career, she remains steadfast in her belief that honesty, accountability, and justice should always be prioritized in healthcare. She is also a mother with two children, a boy and a girl, and her faith as a Christian plays a central role in her life and values. Raised in a family that valued generosity and community support, she strives to uphold those principles in her personal and professional life, always seeking to do what is right, even when it is difficult.
Nonkululeko Sithole’s journey into both nursing and law has been shaped by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to give back to others, especially those in need. One of the key motivations for her decision to pursue a career in nursing was the care that medical professionals provided to her father during a difficult period in his life. When her father underwent surgery and faced a long recovery, Nonkululeko was inspired by the nurses who cared for him. This experience ignited her passion to give back by taking care of others who are sick, regardless of the nature of their illness. Her career path also led her to join the BLASC (Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter), where she found a community of like-minded individuals in the legal field. She appreciated the family-like atmosphere within BLASC, as it provided her with support from members who helped each other in various aspects of legal studies. Nonkululeko enjoys the camaraderie and empowerment that BLASC offers, especially as it aligns with her passion for helping others. Her platform in modeling, which focuses on the prevention of physical and sexual abuse towards children and women, reflects her deep concern for social issues and her commitment to making a difference.
Balancing her studies, professional work, and personal life is a challenging task, especially as she is involved in multiple fields. She describes her multitasking abilities, juggling between her job as a specialized occupational health practitioner, her work in acting and modeling, and her studies. Nonkululeko acknowledges that her life is demanding, often requiring her to work long hours, shoot scenes for acting roles, and study simultaneously. Despite the exhaustion, she is committed to her goals, driven by a deep love for what she does and an inner focus on her dreams.
Her determination and passion for learning are evident in her approach to continuous self-improvement. She believes that anyone with a genuine love for what they do can find time for it, no matter how exhausting or challenging life may become. Nonkululeko emphasizes the importance of focus and staying committed to one’s vision, regardless of the obstacles that may arise. In her work as an actress and model, Nonkululeko finds fulfillment in pursuing her hobbies, which eventually led to professional opportunities. She shares her experiences with others, offering advice to aspiring actors, models, and others seeking to turn their talents into careers. She believes that everyone has a unique talent, whether it is in art, sports, or communication, and encourages others to find their calling.
Through her journey in both medicine and law, Nonkululeko demonstrates that following one’s passion, no matter the challenges, can lead to success. She continues to strive for her dreams while helping others along the way, promoting empowerment, self-discovery, and social change. Nonkululeko Sithole’s experience in the beauty pageant world has been a rewarding yet challenging journey. Holding the title has brought her a sense of pride and excitement, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. There are various tasks and deadlines she must meet, and she hopes that in 2025, when she competes in Atlanta, she will return with the crown for South Africa. She would make history by being the first queen in her category, Miss Above 35s. This represents not just a personal victory, but a groundbreaking moment for her pageant category.
Her pageant journey has also allowed her to leverage her platform for important causes, particularly focusing on preventing sexual abuse towards women and children. Nonkululeko combines her pageantry role with her background in nursing and legal work, offering health education at events and encouraging others to seek help when needed. She is passionate about giving back to the community, whether it’s through charitable initiatives like providing meals for the elderly or assisting people suffering from drug addiction. Her work as a clinician with an NGO, where she treated people living on the streets, further aligns with her dedication to social causes.
She also uses her title as a beauty queen to empower others by mentoring young girls interested in pageantry, particularly focusing on pre-teens and teens. She helps them navigate the world of pageants, offering guidance and support, as well as providing dresses and connections to help them succeed. This initiative shows her commitment to fostering potential and nurturing the next generation of beauty queens. Beyond her public persona, Nonkululeko values her privacy, and she is very careful about keeping her personal life private, particularly in the media and social media age. She avoids revealing too much about her private affairs, understanding how public scrutiny can shift attention away from the important work she does in her community.
Looking towards the future, Nonkululeko aims to make a lasting impact in several fields. She has registered her own company, NS Occupational Health Services, and dreams of establishing a mobile clinic and a law firm. She is dedicated to representing professionals in the healthcare industry, advocating for legal rights regarding medical malpractice, and ensuring nurses and doctors receive the support they need. Her goal is to retire with a legacy of service and advocacy, with a focus on helping others through both her nursing and legal work. Nonkululeko Sithole’s inspiration comes from her parents, especially her father, who she looks up to for his leadership, academic success, business acumen, and community service. Growing up in a Christian family, she was encouraged to pursue her dreams, even in fields like acting, where others might have reservations, particularly due to societal expectations. Her parents’ open-mindedness and the monthly family meetings they held shaped her upbringing, and she strives to raise her children in a similar way.
Aside from her parents, Nonkululeko is inspired by successful women in the entertainment industry, such as Nomzamo Mbata and Cindy Dlathu. She admires their ability to manage their careers and maintain composure in the public eye, despite facing challenges. These role models have influenced her journey, especially in acting, where she hopes to mirror their professionalism and growth.
As a beauty queen, Nonkululeko uses her platform to challenge stereotypes, especially about body image and motherhood in pageantry. She encourages women who don’t fit the traditional mold—those who may not be “size 26” or have “flat tummies”—to pursue their dreams regardless of societal expectations. She believes that beauty comes from within and is not limited to external appearances. She actively promotes the idea that beauty queens should not only embody glamour but also dedicate themselves to serving the community, working behind the scenes, and making real differences.
Nonkululeko has already made an impact by motivating women in South Africa, particularly those who might feel discouraged from participating in pageants. She is proud of her role in breaking stereotypes and inspiring others to see the value in inner beauty and self-confidence. She believes that love and a heartfelt commitment to what one does makes every challenge worthwhile. She’s seen the positive effects of her advocacy, receiving messages from people whose lives have been touched by her journey.
Her approach to pageantry is more than just a crown; it’s about community service, helping others, and inspiring change. Through this, she’s learned that when you put love into everything you do, even the hardest tasks become easier, and the satisfaction of serving the community and making a difference brings true joy.
Nonkululeko Sithole’s advice for people who want to multitask or pursue multiple passions, especially across different fields, is to do what you love. She emphasizes that it’s not about competing with others, but rather about being passionate and believing in what you’re doing before taking action. This belief makes the process smoother and more fulfilling. She encourages others to follow their heart and trust in their abilities to accomplish their goals. In discussing her challenges, Nonkululeko shares the financial difficulties she faced during her pageantry journey. Managing the costs associated with pageantry, such as buying outfits and creating outstanding dresses, can be a huge obstacle. She acknowledges that while financial struggles are real, she has never been disappointed by her sponsors, as they always come through when she reaches out. Despite the challenges, she learned to think critically and creatively. Rather than waiting for opportunities to come, she took proactive steps like organizing raffles and baking cakes to raise funds.
Her message is clear: “One must think critically and be creative in overcoming obstacles. Perseverance and the ability to take action are key to success, rather than simply waiting for things to happen.”
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