Luyanda Zuma Biography: Actress, Model & Miss Universe SA Finalist

Luyanda Zuma (born 3 December 2001) is a South African actress, model, and pageant queen. She was a Top 10 finalist in Miss South Africa 2022 and became First Princess (1st Runner-Up) at Miss Universe South Africa 2025. She has appeared in the historical drama Shaka iLembe, showcasing her talent and versatility on screen.

This article explores her pageantry achievements, acting career, and youth empowerment initiatives. It also highlights how she combines beauty, talent, and purpose, making her one of South Africa’s most inspiring young professionals.

Luyanda Zuma Biography

Portrait of Luyanda Zuma smiling during a photoshoot
Portrait of Luyanda Zuma smiling during a photoshoot
Field Information
Full name Luyanda Nonhlelo Zuma
Date of birth 3 December 2001
Place of birth Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Education Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance, AFDA
Height 1.76 m
Occupation Actress, Model, Pageant Queen, Media Entrepreneur
Known for Miss South Africa 2022 Top 10 Finalist, First Princess Miss Universe SA 2025, Acting in Shaka iLembe
Spouse/Partner Not publicly known
Children None
Family Information not publicly available
Instagram @luyandazuma_
Net worth Estimated R1.5 million – R3 million
Nationality South African

Early Life and Background

Luyanda Nonhlelo Zuma was born on 3 December 2001 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She grew up in a supportive family that encouraged her to explore her interests in performance, sports, and leadership.

From a young age, Luyanda excelled in athletics, playing hockey, netball, and soccer, representing her province in various competitions. Her involvement in sports helped her develop discipline, confidence, and teamwork skills, which later translated into her pageantry and acting career.

Luyanda pursued her passion for the arts by studying a Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance at AFDA, one of South Africa’s leading film and performance schools. Her education provided her with professional training in acting, stagecraft, and media production, laying the foundation for her success in both pageantry and television.

Personal Life

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Luyanda Zuma leads a life grounded in family, community, and personal growth. Although she is frequently in the public eye, she keeps much of her private life out of the spotlight, focusing instead on her career and advocacy work.

In addition, Luyanda is deeply connected to her KwaZulu-Natal roots, often crediting her upbringing for shaping her humility, discipline, and strong sense of purpose. She enjoys spending time outdoors, engaging in fitness activities, and exploring new cultures whenever possible.

Moreover, she is passionate about youth empowerment and frequently uses her platform to inspire young South Africans to pursue their dreams. Through her initiatives with LeNZ Media, she encourages creative storytelling and mentorship, demonstrating that influence can be combined with responsibility.

Overall, Luyanda balances her busy schedule with moments of reflection, self-care, and personal development, making her not only a public figure but also a relatable and inspiring role model.

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Career

Luyanda Zuma’s career is defined by her versatility and dedication, spanning pageantry, acting, and media initiatives. Initially, she gained national recognition as a Top 10 finalist in Miss South Africa 2022, impressing both judges and audiences with her poise, intelligence, and stage presence.

Following this achievement, she made a remarkable comeback in 2025, participating in the Miss Universe South Africa competition, where she earned the title of First Princess (1st Runner-Up). This accomplishment not only showcased her confidence and charisma but also solidified her status as a role model for young South Africans.

In addition to pageantry, Luyanda has pursued acting with notable success. She appeared in the historical drama Shaka iLembe, where her portrayal of Liyana received praise for its depth and authenticity. Her performances demonstrate a natural ability to convey emotion and captivate audiences on screen.

Moreover, Luyanda is the founder of LeNZ Media, a platform dedicated to creative storytelling and youth empowerment. Through this initiative, she encourages young people to explore their talents, develop their skills, and use their voices to make a positive impact.

Overall, Luyanda Zuma’s career reflects a balance of ambition, talent, and purpose, showing that she is not only a rising star in entertainment but also a figure committed to inspiring and uplifting others.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Luyanda Zuma’s estimated net worth ranges between R1.5 million and R3 million. This wealth stems from her acting roles, pageantry prizes, brand endorsements, and entrepreneurial ventures such as her media platform, LeNZ Media. Her growing influence continues to open new opportunities, further expanding her financial portfolio.

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Social Media

Luyanda Zuma maintains a strong presence on social media, where she connects with fans and shares insights into her life and work. She frequently posts about her pageantry, acting projects, and empowerment initiatives.

Through these platforms, she not only engages her audience but also promotes youth empowerment and creative storytelling, further establishing herself as a modern role model in South Africa.