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The Miss South Africa Organisation announced the names the Top 24 finalists selected to continue their journey in the Miss South Africa 2026 competition.
MISS SA 2026
According to the Miss South Africa Organisation, the Top 24 embody the evolution of Miss South Africa as a platform dedicated to leadership, purpose and meaningful impact. More than contestants, the young women that have been selected are emerging leaders committed to driving positive change within their communities, the country and across the African continent.
As part of the Miss South Africa New Era, finalists are challenged to demonstrate not only personal excellence or success, but also a commitment to serve, advocate and nation-build through Empower Youth Africa (EYA), the organisation’s social impact framework.
Through EYA, finalists are encouraged to develop sustainable initiatives focused on the five key pillars that continue to shape the future of young people in South Africa and Africa:
- Access to Education
• Social Entrepreneurship and Job Creation
• Mental Health and Wellness
• Access to Healthcare
• Pan-African Collaboration
The current Miss South Africa is Qhawekazi Mazaleni, a speech-language and hearing therapist from the Eastern Cape. She was crowned Miss South Africa 2025 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria. The runners up were Luyanda Zuma and Karabo Mareka.
WHO ARE THE TOP 24 FINALISTS?
- Alia Khan Koumantarakis, 21, from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is a filmmaker, director, producer, published author and creative entrepreneur.
- Amogelang Bunu, 27, from Mabopane, Gauteng, is a Speech Therapist, Audiologist, entrepreneur and part-time clinical educator at the University of the Witwatersrand.
- Bonolo Marang Motau, 25, from Johannesburg, Gauteng, is a strategic brand and marketing professional, academic and youth empowerment advocate.
- Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo, 27, from Gauteng, is a social entrepreneur, digital storyteller and Co-Founder and Managing Director of Talitha Together.
- Gift Ntimani, 24, from Atteridgeville in Gauteng, is a qualified Remote Pilot with a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rating, a Private Pilot student and the founder of Kasi to the World, an initiative that introduces young people from underserved communities to opportunities within the aviation industry.
- Ipeleng Pearl Madiba, 23, from Rustenburg in the North West, is a qualified archaeologist and Honours student in Archaeology at the University of the Witwatersrand.
- Katlego Malebye, 31, from Pretoria, Gauteng, is a Candidate Architect passionate about creating sustainable housing solutions and expanding opportunities for young people within the built environment.
- Kaylan Matthews, 30, from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape is a women’s fitness coach, entrepreneur and founder of Coach Kay.
- Kendra Norah Horne, 29, from Hermanus in the Western Cape, is a sports scientist with qualifications in sport sciences, sport management and biokinetics from Stellenbosch University, the University of the Western Cape and Université Paris-Saclay in France.
- Lesego Khumo Nyathela, 30, from Springs, Gauteng, is a model, entrepreneur and healthcare advocate with a passion for improving healthcare awareness among young people.
- Makhosazana Azana Masango, 25, from Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, is a musician, model and philanthropist currently pursuing an LLB through UNISA.
- Modiegi Mashamaite, 27, from Gauteng, is a journalist and News Reporter. She is a graduate of Rhodes University with a Bachelor of Journalism and Media Studies, passionate about storytelling, youth development and creating opportunities for young people.
- Ndiwanga Muravha, 22, from Mbombela, Mpumalanga, is a youth development advocate, entrepreneur and Master’s student in Agriculture at the University of Mpumalanga.
- Nongcebo Mngadi, 30, originally from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is a filmmaker, storyteller and production professional. An AFDA graduate who specialised in Screenwriting and Directing, she has worked on a number of South African productions.
- Ofentse Palesa Precious Motaung, 22, from Johannesburg, Gauteng, is a BA Law graduate, writer and youth advocate.
- Palesa van Rooyen, 27, from Hobhouse in the Free State, is a medical doctor and children’s advocate who holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from Stellenbosch University.
- Sanelisiwe Diko, 26, from the Eastern Cape is a qualified pharmacist who obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rhodes University.
- Sibahle Ngwenya, 28, KwaZulu-Natal , is a machine learning research engineer whose work spans engineering, artificial intelligence and mental health innovation
- Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka, 26, originally from Johannesburg in Gauteng is a Senior Actuarial Associate and Actuarial Science graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand.
- Sunshine Dlangamandla, 29, from Springs, Gauteng, is a Master of Architecture graduate, Design Architect, Assistant Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Johannesburg.
- Tebogo Palesa Molatlhegi, 29, from Gauteng, is an investments specialist and financial sector marketer. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analysis from Rhodes University.
- Tiyani Makamu, 27, from Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, is a communications professional, entrepreneur and youth advocate.
- Unami Mthethwa, 24, from KwaZulu-Natal is a content creator, marketer and media professional. A Bachelor of Arts graduate in Communication and Media from the University of Johannesburg, she has built a career in digital media, branding and content creation, collaborating with leading local and international brands while using storytelling to connect with diverse audiences.
- Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg, 20, from Gauteng, is an entrepreneur, author and youth advocate currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree through the Open University of London. She is the co-founder of Emberman Official; a fashion company focused on creating bespoke garments through locally and ethically sourced manufacturing.