Also see: Qhawekazi Mazaleni bids heartfelt farewell to her reign as Miss South Africa
The finalists come from different professional backgrounds, including healthcare, architecture, entrepreneurship, marketing, music and actuarial science. Through their respective Empowerment, Youth and Advocacy (EYA) initiatives, they are also focusing on issues such as education, health and wellness, community upliftment, and entrepreneurship and skills development.
The announcement introduces 12 women who will bring their individual experiences, ambitions and community-focused initiatives to the next stage of the competition.
Meet the Miss SA 2026 Top 12 finalists
1. Alia Khan Koumantarakis, 21 – KwaZulu-Natal
From Durban, Alia is a creative entrepreneur whose EYA initiative focuses on entrepreneurship and skills development.
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2. Amogelang Bunu, 27 – Gauteng
Representing Gauteng, Amogelang hails from Mabopane and works as a speech therapist. Her EYA initiative focuses on health and wellness.
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3. Bonolo Marang Motau, 25 – Gauteng
From Johannesburg, Bonolo is a brand and marketing professional whose EYA initiative focuses on education.
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4. Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo, 27 – Gauteng
Cwenga is a social entrepreneur whose EYA initiative focuses on health and wellness.
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5. Katlego Malebye, 31 – Gauteng
Representing Gauteng, Katlego is a candidate architect from Pretoria. Her EYA initiative focuses on community upliftment.
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6. Lesego Khumo Nyathela, 30 – Gauteng
From Springs, Lesego is a model and entrepreneur whose EYA initiative focuses on health and wellness.
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7. Makhosazana Azana Masango, 25 – KwaZulu-Natal
From Ndwedwe, Makhosazana is a musician, model and philanthropist. Her EYA initiative focuses on community upliftment.
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8. Ndiwanga Muravha, 22 – Mpumalanga
Representing Mpumalanga, Ndiwanga is from Mbombela. Her EYA initiative focuses on entrepreneurship and skills development.
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9. Palesa van Rooyen, 27 – Free State
From Hobhouse, Palesa is an entrepreneur whose EYA initiative focuses on entrepreneurship and skills development.
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10. Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka, 26 – Gauteng
Originally from Johannesburg, Simoné is a medical doctor whose EYA initiative focuses on community upliftment.
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11. Tiyani Makamu, 27 – Gauteng
From Bronkhorstspruit, Tiyani is a senior actuarial associate. Her EYA initiative focuses on education.
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12. Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg, 20 – Gauteng
Zoalize completes the Top 12, representing Gauteng in the 2026 competition. An entrepreneur, her EYA initiative focuses on education.
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The race for the Miss South Africa 2026 crown continues
Being selected for the Top 12 marks an important milestone for the contestants as they progress in the search for the next Miss South Africa.
As the competition continues, the finalists will have an opportunity to showcase their personalities, leadership abilities and commitment to their respective initiatives.
With 12 women now in the running, attention will turn to the next stage of the pageant and the contestant who will ultimately be crowned Miss South Africa 2026.
The announcement has set the stage for another chapter in the national competition, celebrating women whose ambitions extend beyond the title itself.
Featured image: Instagram/@allthingsmisssa
Also see: ‘This is where the real journey begins’: 19 Women set their sights on Miss South Africa
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