Photo of Rhaees Hanslo

A new Miss South Africa will be crowned this weekend

Glamour, purpose, and national pride will collide in Johannesburg this Saturday, 14 November 2026, as the Miss South Africa 2026 finale takes over the Sandton Convention Centre.

Also see: MISS SOUTH AFRICA INTERNATIONAL 2026 DR SHAHEENA FLEAR WANTS EVERY WOMAN TO KNOW HER HEALTH MATTERS

Promising an evening of high fashion and high stakes, the prestigious event will see one remarkable woman step into the spotlight to claim the coveted crown. As this year’s theme makes clear, winning is only the beginning.

More than a crown: Understanding ‘The Mandate’

Operating under the banner of The Mandate, the 2026 competition shifts the focus firmly toward measurable social impact. For a full year, the newly crowned titleholder will spearhead a dedicated programme of leadership and service across the country.

Furthermore, the impact extends to the entire Class of 2026. All twelve finalists will officially become ambassadors for Empower Youth Africa, an initiative designed to connect young South Africans with vital skills, networks, and opportunities.

Throughout their year of meaningful work, the finalists will drive programmes anchored by five strategic pillars: technology and digital inclusion, entrepreneurship and enterprise development, education and skills for the future, health and wellness, and civic leadership and Pan-African collaboration.

Also see: MISS SOUTH AFRICA ANNOUNCES TOP 12 FINALISTS FOR 2026

Meet the Top 12 finalists

Representing diverse provinces and dynamic professional backgrounds, the Top 12 finalists showcase the breadth of South African excellence. Among the standout contenders vying for the crown are:

  • Alia Khan Koumantarakis (21): A multi-hyphenate filmmaker, director, producer, and published author hailing from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Bonolo Marang Motau (25): A strategic brand and marketing professional flying the flag for Gauteng.
  • Amogelang Bunu (27): A dedicated speech therapist and audiologist also representing Gauteng.
  • Palesa van Rooyen (27): A medical doctor and passionate children’s advocate representing the Free State.
  • Makhosazana (25): A musician and model who is representing KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Katlego Malebye (31): An candidate architect representing Gauteng.
  • Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg (20): An author and youth advocate representing Gauteng.
  • Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka (26): A senior actuarial associate flying the flag for Gauteng.
  • Tiyani Makamu (27): A dedicated communications professional also hailing from Gauteng.
  • Ndiwanga Muravha (22): A youth development advocate and entrepreneur representing Mpumalanga.
  • Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo (27): The co-founder and managing director of Talitha Together, representing Gauteng.
  • Lesego Khumo Nyathela (30): A model and entrepreneur representing Gauteng.

How to watch and attend

South Africans eager to witness the crowning moment live can secure a seat in the audience, with a limited number of tickets available to the public via Ticketpro and House of Nala (at Sandton City and Oceans Mall). For those celebrating from home, the glittering finale will broadcast live on DStv Channel 161.

Featured image: Instagram/@official_misssa

Also see: BEYOND THE CROWN: MISS SOUTH AFRICA INVESTS R5 MILLION IN NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN LEADERS

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