The Miss South Africa organisation has unveiled the top 12 finalists for the 2026 pageant. The finale will take place on November 14 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg and will be broadcast live on DStv Channel 161. The contestants, selected from various parts of South Africa, will compete for the coveted title.
The top 12 finalists, in alphabetical order, are Alia Khan Koumantarakis, Amogelang Bunu, Bonolo Marang Motau, Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo, Katlego Malebye, Lesego Khumo Nyathela, Makhosazana Azana Masango, Ndivanga Muravha, Palesa van Rooyen, Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka, Tiyani Makamu, and Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg. Each contestant has a unique background and is involved in various initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, skills development, health and wellness, and education.
The Miss South Africa organisation's flagship social impact and leadership development platform, Empower Youth Africa (EYA), connects contestants and titleholders to implement sustainable community programmes across the continent. The platform operates around five core pillars: access to education and knowledge, youth unemployment, entrepreneurship and skills development, health and wellness, and civic engagement and Pan-African collaboration.
The finalists have received comprehensive support through bootcamps, mentorship, and project development, equipping them with valuable leadership skills for the future. This support has enabled them to champion causes ranging from literacy and mental health to youth employment and financial wellness. Last year's cohort made a significant impact, reaching nearly 17,000 pupils across 16 schools and communities.
The judging panel for the 2026 pageant brings together heavyweights across law, medicine, finance, and entertainment. The panel includes advocate Thuli Madonsela, former public protector and law professor; Natasha Vermaak, Miss South Africa 2023, entrepreneur, and TV presenter; Dr Musa Mthombeni, media personality and medical doctor; and Pumla Molope, president of African Women Chartered Accountants.
The main stage will be hosted by actor and presenter Lawrence Maleka alongside former Miss SA 2001 Jo-Ann Strauss. Red-carpet coverage will be brought to viewers by Kuhle Adams and Katleho Sinivasan. The organisation stated that the announcement places a new group of young women at the forefront of a platform that develops leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs, and agents of change.
While only one candidate will wear the crown, all 12 finalists will be named EYA ambassadors on the finale night. This initiative ensures their platform for driving social change extends well beyond the pageant stage. The 2026 theme, Imbokodo, celebrates resilience, leadership, and strength, reflecting the strength of the grinding stone and the women who, through EYA, help shape South Africa's youth into diamonds.
Key points
- The Miss SA 2026 pageant will take place on November 14 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
- The top 12 finalists have been selected from various parts of South Africa and will compete for the coveted title.
- The Empower Youth Africa platform connects contestants and titleholders to implement sustainable community programmes across the continent.
