Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo ‘Shudu’ Musiḓa is returning to the 2026 national beauty pageant, this time as a semifinalist judge for the Top 24. The former title holder joins co-founder and CEO of Pandora Health, Dr Aisha Pandor, and founder and CEO of Business Engage, Colleen Larsen.
Also see: Shudufhadzo Musida shares Columbia University graduation video
Shudufhadzo Musiḓa joins Miss SA Top 24 judging panel
The Miss South Africa Organisation shared the announcement on 26 June 2026, noting that Shudu will assist in evaluating whether the contestants can translate policy into practice.
A recent master’s graduate with a STEM-designated MPA in International Finance from Columbia University, Shudu also holds a degree in PPE and International Relations.
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A statement from the Miss South Africa Organisation read, “The judges play a crucial role in evaluating this year’s semifinalists and selecting the Top 19 finalists who will advance to the next stage of the Miss South Africa 2026 competition.
“Drawing on their collective expertise, they identify young women who demonstrate the leadership potential, vision, and commitment required to create meaningful change in South Africa and across the African continent.”
Also see: Former Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musina makes her mark in the United Nations
Who are the Top 24?
The 24 women hoping to be crowned Miss South Africa 2026 are as follows:
- Alia Khan Koumantarakis (21) from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Amogelang Bunu (27) from Mabopane, Gauteng
- Bonolo Marang Motau (25) from Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo (27) from Gauteng
- Gift Ntimani (24) from Atteridgeville, Gauteng
- Ipeleng Pearl Madiba (23) from Rustenburg, North West
- Katlego Malebye (31) from Pretoria, Gauteng
- Kaylan Matthews (30) from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
- Kendra Norah Horne (29) from Hermanus, Western Cape
- Nongcebo Mngadi (30) from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Lesego Khumo Nyathela (30) from Springs, Gauteng
- Makhosazana Masango (25) from Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal
- Modiegi Mashamaite (27) from Gauteng
- Ndiwanga Muravha (22) from Mbombela, Mpumalanga
- Ofentse Palesa Precious Motaung (22) from Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Palesa van Rooyen (27) from Hobhouse, Free State
- Sanelisiwe Diko (26) from the Eastern Cape
- Sibahle Ngwenya (28) from KwaZulu-Natal
- Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka (26) from Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Sunshine Dlangamandla (29) from Springs, Gauteng
- Tebogo Palesa Molatlhegi (29) from Gauteng
- Tiyani Makamu (27) from Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng
- Unami Mthethwa (24) from KwaZulu-Natal
- Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg (20) from Gauteng
“Through the Miss South Africa New Era and the Empower Youth Africa framework, finalists are encouraged to utilise their skills, expertise and platforms to address pressing societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development across the continent,” notes the esteemed organisation.
Also see: Shudufhadzo Musida reflects on five years since crowned Miss SA
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