Miss SA Shifts Focus to Leadership and Social Impact with R5m Fund

The Miss South Africa pageant has evolved significantly since its inception in 1956, shifting its focus from selecting beauty ambassadors to empowering women leaders who can drive social change. The pageant's spokesperson, Zawadi Dlamini, emphasized that the competition now aims to make a measurable impact, with its Empower Youth Africa (EYA) initiative at the forefront. This initiative supports young women in leadership roles, enabling them to create solutions and drive change.

The pageant's patron, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, highlighted the importance of this shift in focus, stating that the world needs young women who are prepared to lead and make an impact at scale. She noted that women have changed and are no longer limited to traditional roles, citing examples of women in various fields such as astronauts, astrophysicists, and entrepreneurs. Dr Moloi-Motsepe expressed her joy in seeing young women graduating with excellent results, reflecting the progress made.

Among the contestants vying for the crown are entrepreneurs, doctors, project managers, and philanthropists, who have shared their intentions to contribute to social issues. Top 12 finalist Tiyani Makamu, from Bronkhorstspruit, aims to drive economic inclusion through entrepreneurship and skills development, having grown up in an entrepreneurial home. Her passion for economic empowerment is driven by her experience and her desire to create opportunities for others.

Another contestant, Palesa van Royen, from Hobhouse, is driven by her experience as a doctor in her community, where she witnessed the effects of child malnutrition. She emphasized that malnutrition is not just about visible symptoms but also about the unseen challenges faced by communities. Van Royen's goal is to make a difference in her community and address the root causes of social issues.

To support the contestants in fulfilling their ambitions, the Miss SA pageant has allocated nearly R5 million across the Top 12 finalists. Each finalist will receive a cash prize of R25,000 and a further R1 million fund towards their social-impact projects. The top three winners will receive additional prizes, including development opportunities, mentorship, wellness support, and access to regional and global leadership networks.

The prize allocation for the top three winners includes a R1 million cash award and a dedicated R500,000 Impact Fund for Miss South Africa 2026, R250,000 cash award and a R150,000 Impact Fund for First Princess, and R150,000 cash award and a R100,000 Impact Fund for Second Princess. The winner will be announced at the Sandton Convention Centre, where entertainment and renowned designers, including David Tlale, will be featured.

The Miss SA pageant has come a long way since its inception, and its new focus on leadership and social impact reflects the changing needs of society. With its R5 million fund and comprehensive support system, the pageant is poised to empower young women leaders who can drive meaningful change in their communities. The competition's outcome will be announced on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the journey of the contestants.

Key points

• The Miss SA pageant now focuses on women's leadership and social impact, with a nearly R5 million fund for its Top 12 finalists.
• Contestants are driven by various passions, including economic inclusion, child malnutrition, and social change.
• The pageant's prize allocation includes cash awards, impact funds, and development opportunities for the top three winners.