Nonkululeko’s story is a powerful narrative of determination, compassion, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. From humble beginnings to becoming a crowned queen of Miss Stella South Africa 2024/2025, her journey reflects resilience and the ability to overcome numerous challenges. With a career spanning nursing, acting, beauty pageantry, and advocacy, Nonkululeko embodies the essence of a modern trailblazer — one who refuses to be defined by a single role.
The Early Years: Nursing as a Calling
Nonkululeko’s passion for nursing was ignited in childhood after her father underwent a critical spinal operation. Witnessing her mother’s selfless care for him, she learned the value of compassion. This experience planted a seed that would later blossom into a career in healthcare.
Her formal journey into nursing began after completing a short course in Information Technology (IT). She applied to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College, where she was accepted after rigorous psychometric tests and interviews. Contrary to her initial belief that nursing was limited to administering injections and dispensing pills, she discovered that it required empathy, patience, and an ability to connect deeply with patients.
Noluthando’s journey in nursing has been one of continuous growth. She pursued further studies in occupational health nursing science at the University of Johannesburg and later specialized in the field. Her work as an occupational health practitioner within the mining and industrial sectors showcases her commitment to healthcare beyond hospital walls. Today, she also operates her own mobile health practice and serves as an advocate for medical and nursing professionals, ensuring ethical and lawful practices are upheld in the healthcare system.
The Actress: From the Small Screen to the Big Stage
Nonkululeko’s foray into acting was driven by childhood dreams of seeing herself on television. Inspired by South African children’s programs like Kideo, she declared to her mother that one day she, too, would be on TV. This dream took shape in 2016, leading to her first role on Isinji, a Mzansi Magic drama series, where she played the lead role of Thandeka.
Relocating to Johannesburg in 2017 was a pivotal moment for her acting career. She enrolled at the Market Theatre Laboratory, attending theater acting classes every Saturday while also managing her full-time nursing career. Nonkululeko’s acting credits now include appearances in hit South African shows such as Generations, Ring of Lies, Side Dish (Netflix), and Ufe Lani. Her role as Dr. Kate on SABC1’s Boarding School solidified her presence on the small screen. Her passion for acting extends beyond television. She finds theater acting to be more immersive, though she admits that television offers greater exposure. Despite the demands of her nursing career, Nonkululeko continues to push boundaries as an actress, juggling multiple roles while maintaining her commitment to excellence.
The Queen: Redefining Beauty and Pageantry
Nonkululeko’s journey in pageantry began in primary school, where she was consistently selected as a class representative for Miss Valentine’s Day competitions. Though she often emerged as the first or second princess, her desire to wear the crown never faded. Her entry into pageantry as an adult was driven by a desire to challenge the stereotypes around beauty standards. She competed in Miss Plus SA, which embraces women with diverse body types. Her performance as a humanitarian ambassador allowed her to showcase her commitment to charity work, a value instilled in her from childhood by her parents.
Her crowning moment came on April 6, 2024, at Bloemfontein City Hall, where she was named Miss Stella South Africa 2024/2025. This title represents not just personal victory but also a triumph for women across the country. Noluthando will represent South Africa at the Miss Stella World competition in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2025, becoming the first queen from her category to compete internationally. Her goal is to bring the crown home, inspiring women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds to see beauty within themselves.
Through her advocacy work as a pageant queen, Nonkululeko promotes the prevention of violence, physical abuse, and sexual abuse against women and children. Her work extends to supporting community-based initiatives, charity drives, and educational campaigns. As a queen, she views herself not as a figure of glamour but as a servant to her community.
The Advocate: Championing Justice and Accountability
Nonkululeko’s decision to pursue law was inspired by a deep sense of justice. Her experiences in healthcare exposed her to medical negligence cases, where she saw a need for legal practitioners with medical knowledge. She now seeks to bridge the gap between healthcare and the law by advocating for medical malpractice victims and representing healthcare professionals accused of negligence. Her entry into the legal field was further encouraged by her exposure to organizations such as BLASC (Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter). She appreciates the support and community offered by the organization, which provides shadowing opportunities, study support, and mentorship. Through this support, she aims to become an advocate for medical justice, defending the vulnerable and ensuring accountability within the healthcare sector.
Nonkululeko is clear in her principles. She refuses to defend individuals she believes are guilty of wrongdoing, stating that she would rather lose a client than compromise her integrity. Her passion for justice extends beyond the courtroom. She hopes to one day open her own law firm, providing legal aid and representation for nurses, doctors, and patients alike.