Shudufhadzo Musiḓa announced as Miss SA Top 24 semifinalist judge

by Jade Rhode
Shudufhadzo Musiḓa was announced as Miss SA Top 24 semifinalist judge.

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.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Miss South Africa (@official_misssa)

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:

  1. Alia Khan Koumantarakis (21) from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
  2. Amogelang Bunu (27) from Mabopane, Gauteng
  3. Bonolo Marang Motau (25) from Johannesburg, Gauteng
  4. Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo (27) from Gauteng
  5. Gift Ntimani (24) from Atteridgeville, Gauteng
  6. Ipeleng Pearl Madiba (23) from Rustenburg, North West
  7. Katlego Malebye (31) from Pretoria, Gauteng
  8. Kaylan Matthews (30) from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
  9. Kendra Norah Horne (29) from Hermanus, Western Cape
  10. Nongcebo Mngadi (30) from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
  11. Lesego Khumo Nyathela (30) from Springs, Gauteng
  12. Makhosazana Masango (25) from Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal
  13. Modiegi Mashamaite (27) from Gauteng
  14. Ndiwanga Muravha (22) from Mbombela, Mpumalanga
  15. Ofentse Palesa Precious Motaung (22) from Johannesburg, Gauteng
  16. Palesa van Rooyen (27) from Hobhouse, Free State
  17. Sanelisiwe Diko (26) from the Eastern Cape
  18. Sibahle Ngwenya (28) from KwaZulu-Natal
  19. Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka (26) from Johannesburg, Gauteng
  20. Sunshine Dlangamandla (29) from Springs, Gauteng
  21. Tebogo Palesa Molatlhegi (29) from Gauteng
  22. Tiyani Makamu (27) from Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng
  23. Unami Mthethwa (24) from KwaZulu-Natal
  24. 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

Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!