Miss South Africa 2026 Tiyani Makamu's 'Low-Budget' Crown Sparks Online Debate

Tiyani Makamu, a 27-year-old from Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, was crowned Miss South Africa 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre on November 14. The event was attended by many, but what should have been a celebration of her victory quickly turned into a discussion about the crown she was presented with. The gold-coloured crown, named Imbokodo, was described by some social media users as looking cheap, plastic-like and underwhelming for a national beauty title.

The Imbokodo crown replaced the familiar Mowana diamond crown, which had been part of the pageant's crowning tradition since 2023. According to the Miss South Africa Organisation, the new crown was a temporary ceremonial piece while preparations for an official design were being finalised. The organisation's spokesperson, Zawadi Dlamini, explained that the name Imbokodo represents the strength of women, likening them to rocks.

The controversy prompted the Miss South Africa Organisation to release a statement on November 15, acknowledging that it should have communicated its intentions more clearly before the finale. The organisation admitted that the lack of context had created unnecessary uncertainty. It also revealed plans to involve young designers in creating the permanent crown, with public participation in the process.

The absence of the previous Mowana crown brought its former sponsor, Nungu Diamonds, into the conversation. The jewellery company confirmed that its sponsorship agreement with the Miss South Africa Organisation was not renewed for 2026 after negotiations failed to produce a mutually beneficial agreement. However, Nungu Diamonds revealed that it had granted the organisation permission to use the Mowana crown at the finale as a gesture of goodwill.

While the crown debate continues, Makamu's victory marks the beginning of a new chapter for the pageant. As a communications professional, entrepreneur and youth advocate, she has identified key areas of focus during her reign, including entrepreneurship, skills development, youth unemployment and access to education. She succeeds Qhawekazi Mazaleni, who wore the Mowana crown during her year as Miss South Africa.

Makamu's first major appearance as the country's new queen has generated an unexpected fashion conversation, with the temporary crown attracting almost as much attention as the woman wearing it. The Miss South Africa Organisation intends to involve young designers in creating the permanent Imbokodo crown, with plans to invite public participation in the process.

Whether the permanent Imbokodo crown will win over the critics remains to be seen. Fans will be watching when the new design is finally unveiled. For now, Makamu's victory and the crown controversy have sparked a national conversation about beauty, fashion and the Miss South Africa pageant.

Key points

• The Miss South Africa Organisation plans to involve young designers in creating the permanent Imbokodo crown.
• The temporary crown was a result of the organisation's decision to change the design while preparations for an official design were being finalised.
• The previous crown, Mowana, was sponsored by Nungu Diamonds, which did not renew its sponsorship agreement for 2026.