Miss SA finalist Cwenga Kotu-Rammopo shares inspiring story of overcoming physical limitations

Ahead of the Miss South Africa pageant finale on 14 November 2026, the organisation shared a ‘get-to-know’ series of video clips, allowing viewers to hear the inspirational stories behind some of the contestants they are rooting for.

One story that stood out was Cwenga Kotu-Rammopo, who shared the experiences that have shaped her and the dreams that drive her.

Also see: Miss SA panel of judges officially confirmed ahead of grand finale

Against the odds

This Miss SA contestant shared a remarkable story of overcoming. She shared how she could move past certain physical limitations and get to a point in the competition that still came as a shock.

Cwenga stated that she is a burn victim and that, growing up, she used to have flat feet that got to the point where she had to get surgery, one of the biggest in the country.

Entering the competition was an attempt to address certain image and confidence issues stemming from these limitations. Thus, getting this far in the competition feels like a dream and a miracle.

Cwenga is a social entrepreneur, digital storyteller and co-founder and managing director of Talitha Together. She is a recent master’s graduate from the University of Cape Town, holding two qualifications: one in theatre and performing arts, film and television, and one in digital curation.

Also see: Miss SA Qhawekazi Mazaleni shares special message for 2026 matriculants

Every journey has a story. Every story has a purpose.

Get to know @CwengaKotu , one of the incredible women making up the #MissSA2026 Top 12. From the experiences that have shaped her to the dreams that drive her, this is her journey to the Miss South Africa stage. ✨

📅 14 November 2026 | Sandton Convention Centre

To see her life on the Miss SA stage, purchase your tickets via TicketPro through the link below or in-store at House of Nala, Oceans Mall and Sandton City.

https://t.co/1cfDHHPPKe

📺 Watch the finale on DStv Channel 161.

#MissSA2026 #TheMandate #MissSAFinale #TheJourneyToMissSouthAfrica

— Miss South Africa (@Official_MissSA) November 3, 2026

The top 12 finalist shared that her grandfather told her parents that she should enter Miss South Africa when she was only two years old. As though it was preordained, she has made her way through this journey right to the finale, fulfilling a dream of a man who believed in her from the beginning.

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Also see: Kuhle Adams to host the Miss SA 2026 finale red carpet