The Miss SA Organisation unveiled their Top 19 contestants, who will compete for the pretigious Miss SA title, and announced the new groundbreaking era of the Miss SA pageant. Here’s what we know.
MISS SA 2026 WILL NOT COMPETE IN INTERNATIONAL PAGEANTS, BUT THERE’S A NEW VISION
As previously reported by The South African, the Miss SA 2026 winner and runners up will not be competing at any of the three international pageants this year. Instead, there is a new vision and focus for the Miss SA Top three, and beyond.
This year all Top 19 contestants will champion the Empower Youth Africa (EYA) campaign—the official social impact initiative of the Miss SA pageant. The EYA movement aims to translate influence into tangible social change.
“Miss South Africa has entered an era of leadership, focused on creating meaningful impact at scale. We are committed to developing every contestant, not only the winner. Through Empower Youth Africa, we are cultivating a generation of women who understand their responsibility to society and who are prepared to lead, influence and drive meaningful change far beyond the crown,” according to Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Patron and Chairperson of the Miss South Africa Organisation.
WHO ARE THE MISS SA TOP 19 FINALISTS?
- Alia Khan Koumantarakis (21, KwaZulu-Natal): Creative entrepreneur targeting entrepreneurship and skills development.
- Amogelang Bunu (27, Gauteng): Speech therapist advocating for health and wellness.
- Bonolo Marang Motau (25, Gauteng): Brand and marketing professional driving education initiatives.
- Cwenga Katlego Koyana Kotu-Rammopo (27, Gauteng): Social entrepreneur focusing on health and wellness.
- Ipeleng Pearl Madiba (23, North West): Qualified archaeologist working on civic engagement and Pan-African collaboration.
- Katlego Malebye (31, Gauteng): Candidate architect championing community upliftment.
- Kaylan Matthews (30, Eastern Cape): Women’s fitness coach supporting health and wellness.
- Kendra Norah Horne (29, Western Cape): Sports scientist focusing on health and wellness.
- Lesego Khumo Nyathela (30, Gauteng): Model and entrepreneur advocating for health and wellness.
- Makhosazana Azana Masango (25, KwaZulu-Natal): Musician and philanthropist driving community upliftment.
- Modiegi Mashamaite (27, Gauteng): Journalist and news reporter advocating for education.
- Ndiwanga Muravha (22, Mpumalanga): Entrepreneur focusing on skills development and entrepreneurship.
- Palesa van Rooyen (27, Free State): Medical doctor championing community upliftment.
- Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka (26, Gauteng): Senior actuarial associate driving educational upliftment.
- Sunshine Dlangamandla (29, Gauteng): Researcher promoting civic engagement and Pan-African collaboration.
- Tebogo Palesa Molatlhegi (29, Gauteng): Investment specialist focusing on health and wellness.
- Tiyani Makamu (27, Gauteng): Entrepreneur targeting skills development and entrepreneurship.
- Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg (20, Gauteng): Entrepreneur focusing on educational growth.