The Miss SA Organisation unveiled the Top 19 finalists last week, and 11 of 19 finalists hail from Gauteng.
Does this mean Gauteng has the “most beautiful women”?
MISS SA TOP 19 FINALISTS AND THE PROVINCES THEY HAIL FROM
- 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.
- Sanelisiwe Diko, (26,Eastern Cape) is a qualified pharmacist who obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rhodes University.
- 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.
Beauty queens
Judging by the Miss SA Top 19, it appears that the vast majority of the beauty queens hail from the Gauteng province, which suggests that province has the most beautiful women.
The other provinces to have representatives in the Top 19 are KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape (two each), while the North West, Western Cape, Free State and Mpumalanga each boast one contestant.
There are no contestants who call Limpopo or the Northern Cape home.
More than about looks
However, as we know, the Miss SA pageant is more than just about looks.
The pageant has evolved into a platform that emphasises intelligence, leadership, social impact, and empowerment just as much as traditional beauty.
Contestants are judged on their ability to speak confidently, engage with social issues, and represent South Africa on a global stage.
Beauty remains a large factor, but it is now seen as one dimension of a much broader evaluation.
The judging process includes interviews, public speaking, social media presence, and the contestants’ involvement in community projects.
As previously reported by The South African, the Miss SA 2026 winner and runners up will not compete in any of the three international pageants (Miss World, Miss Universe and Miss Supranational).
However, you can take a look at the new vision for Miss SA 2026 here.