Kazimla Sam Crowned Miss Tamboekie 2025 at Vibrant Queendustria Festival

The Tamboekie Festival, one of Komani’s most anticipated annual events, lit up the Queendustria Showgrounds earlier this month with a weekend full of entertainment, exhibitions, and community activities. Among the festival highlights was the Miss Tamboekie Pageant, held on 3 October 2025, where Kazimla Sam was crowned the new Miss Tamboekie 2025.

The competition brought together talented, confident young women from across the region, each showcasing not just beauty, but grace, intelligence, and cultural pride. Simamkele Swartbooi was named 1st Princess, while Endinako Nziweni earned the title of 2nd Princess.

Showcasing local talent and pride

The pageant forms a cornerstone of the Tamboekie Festival, celebrating local talent and empowerment while offering participants a platform to inspire others in their communities. Contestants took part in various segments that tested not only poise and presentation but also their ability to engage with community issues and demonstrate leadership.

Organisers praised the calibre of entrants this year, noting how each participant embodied the festival’s spirit of unity and celebration. “The Miss Tamboekie Pageant has always been more than a beauty contest — it’s about confidence, identity, and representation. Each of these young women represents the strength and potential of Komani’s youth,” said one of the event coordinators.

A festival for everyone

The Tamboekie Festival has long been a highlight on Komani’s social calendar. Held annually at the Queendustria Showgrounds, it draws residents and visitors alike for a weekend of fun, culture, and entertainment. This year’s edition offered everything from local craft exhibitions and food stalls to music performances, sports activities, and family-friendly attractions.

Families from across the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality attended in numbers, supporting local artists, small businesses, and community initiatives. “It’s an event that truly brings people together,” said one attendee. “We come every year because it celebrates who we are as a community — the diversity, the creativity, and the togetherness.”

Empowering young women

The Miss Tamboekie Pageant continues to be an important platform for youth empowerment, encouraging participants to be role models in their communities. Many former winners have gone on to represent Komani in larger regional competitions or use their visibility to drive community initiatives focused on education, health, or cultural awareness.

This year’s newly crowned Miss Tamboekie, Kazimla Sam, stood out not only for her composure and confidence on stage but also for her heartfelt answers during the interview segment, where she spoke about the importance of self-belief and education for young women in the Eastern Cape.

Her journey inspired many in attendance, particularly young girls watching from the audience, who saw in her a reflection of their own dreams and potential.

A growing platform for culture and connection

As the Tamboekie Festival continues to grow year after year, organisers hope to expand its reach and impact across the Chris Hani District Municipality. The festival celebrates more than just entertainment; it serves as a hub for economic activity, promoting local entrepreneurs and small-scale producers who rely on the event to showcase their products and connect with customers.

The inclusion of cultural showcases, pageants, and youth-oriented activities ensures that the festival remains relevant, inclusive, and reflective of Komani’s vibrant character.

Looking ahead

With the 2025 edition now concluded, planning for next year’s Tamboekie Festival is already underway. Organisers have hinted at adding new features and performances to make the 2026 festival even more memorable.

For now, the spotlight belongs to Kazimla Sam, Simamkele Swartbooi, and Endinako Nziweni, whose achievements at the Miss Tamboekie Pageant have brought pride and inspiration to the Komani community.

About the Tamboekie Festival

The Tamboekie Festival is an annual event held in Queendustria, Komani, celebrating local culture, business, and community. The festival features exhibitions, entertainment, food stalls, live music, and competitions such as the Miss Tamboekie Pageant. It serves as a cornerstone of social life in the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, drawing attendees from across the Eastern Cape.