Miss South Africa has admitted it should have explained its new crown before Saturday’s finale. But it has said nothing about a jeweller’s claim that the pageant turned down the diamond crown it was offered for free.
In a statement on Sunday, 15 November the Miss South Africa Organisation said the crown placed on Tiyani Makamu was a stand-in.
“Regarding the crown presented during the finale, we wish to clarify that it was a temporary ceremonial crown, while preparations for the official Miss South Africa crown are being finalised.
“We acknowledge that this intention should have been communicated more clearly ahead of the finale. While we stand by the vision behind this decision, we accept that the lack of context created unnecessary uncertainty,” it said.
The statement does not mention the Mowana Crown, the diamond crown worn by the past three winners.
Hours earlier, Nungu Diamonds, which made the Mowana, said Miss SA could have used it.
“Notwithstanding this impasse, and as a gesture of goodwill, Nungu Diamonds granted the Miss South Africa Organisation permission to use the Mowana Crown at the Finale, on the clear understanding that sponsorship discussions would resume after the event. The decision not to use the Mowana Crown rested solely with the Miss South Africa Organisation. We respect that decision,” the jeweller said.
Nungu said its sponsorship was not renewed after talks failed.
“Negotiations were conducted in good faith and continued into the final days before the Finale; however, the parties were ultimately unable to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,” Nungu said.
It distanced itself from the crown Makamu wore. “We wish to state unequivocally that the crown worn at the 2026 Finale was not designed, crafted or supplied by Nungu Diamond,” the statement explained.
Social media users mocked the temporary crown, comparing it to a Burger King crown.
Miss SA said it wants the public involved in the permanent crown.
“Our intention is to give South Africans an opportunity to participate in the journey towards unveiling the official crown. We believe this symbol of national pride should reflect the collective identity, aspirations and values of the people our reigning queen represents. By inviting public participation, we hope to foster a greater sense of inclusion and connection between Miss South Africa and the nation she serves,” the statement reads.
Spokesperson Zawadi Dlamini told reporters after the finale that the crown, called Imbokodo, was linked to this year’s theme, “From Imbokodo to Diamond”.
“The crown is called Imbokodo, it represents the strength of women. It represents women as rocks,” he said.
The organisation also defended the judges’ choice of Makamu.
“We stand firmly behind our newly crowned Miss South Africa, Tiyani, and the qualities that earned her this honour,” Dlamini said.
The Mowana was unveiled in 2023. It is made up of more than 800 stones, including diamonds, gemstones and cubic zirconia. The biggest weighs 15 carats. Natasha Vermaak (née Joubert), Mia le Roux and Qhawekazi Mazaleni each wore it. Mazaleni appeared at Saturday’s finale without it.
When the crown was launched, Nungu was announced as the pageant’s exclusive crown and jewellery sponsor for three years.