Mrs South Africa, powered by iME, has officially begun unveiling its 2026 semi-finalists following a series of high-energy live casting events across the country, kicking off one of the most competitive entry seasons in the programme’s history.
Entries for the 2026 season closed on Monday, 26 January, drawing hundreds of applications nationwide. According to organisers, the overwhelming response reflects both the strength of the Mrs South Africa brand, as well as the growing visibility and real-world impact of Mrs South Africa titleholders in recent years.
Joani Jacobs, CEO of Mrs South Africa, notes that at the heart of this year’s casting season was a clear reminder of what the programme truly stands for.
“We always tell our participants that there is only one crown, but everybody can walk away a winner. Ultimately, Mrs South Africa is not about chasing a title. It’s about personal growth, transformation, and stepping into the best version of yourself,” she says.
“Whether a woman places in the top ten or not, she leaves our programme as version 2.0 of herself. Our goal is to empower women to become more confident, more capable, and more connected to their purpose. That’s why one of our key messages this year is ‘Your time is now.’”
Live casting events were held at Hotel Sky in Cape Town on 29 January, followed by a national casting event at Clearwater Mall in Johannesburg on Saturday, 31 January. Contestant hopefuls participated in live interviews, with semi-finalists announced and sashed on stage at each event. The casting journey continues with a Durban event scheduled for 6 February, followed by additional regional castings to be announced during February.
Judges assessed entrants on stage presence, confidence and overall presentation, with a particular focus on readiness for the demanding year-long journey ahead. Mrs South Africa is often described as the “MBA of life” in reference to the programme’s intensity, discipline, and emphasis on leadership and self-awareness.
The judging panel reflected this breadth of expectation, bringing together leaders from business, healthcare, and the acclaimed Mrs South Africa sisterhood. Judges included Nivi Grogor, founder and CEO of video-technology platform iME, alongside Candice Abrahams, Annette Kasselman, and Dr Mpho Phalatse. The casting events were hosted by Jo Judnick-Wilson as master of ceremonies.
The announcement of the semi-finalists marks the official start of the 2026 journey, which kicked off with the National Semi-Finalist Conference on 1 to 2 February at Hotel Sky in Sandton. The two-day programme is designed as an empowerment and upskilling weekend, introducing contestants to the structure, expectations, and ethos of Mrs South Africa, with practical tips and advice that will stand them in good stead throughout the coming months.
The momentum behind the 2026 season follows a landmark year for the organisation. In 2025, Tshego Gaelae made history as the first Black South African woman crowned Mrs World, while Marelize Steyn Earle was named Mrs Classique Globe.
The list of Mrs South Africa 2026 semi-finalists is below:
- Aleche Landman
- Alecia Maifadi
- Andrea Raaths-Duarté
- Angelique Janse van Rensburg
- Angie Calo
- Aobakwe Sebokoane
- Brigitte van Rooyen
- Carina Smith
- Carla Mothiba
- Carmen Rodrigues
- Carolize Delport
- Chanelle Badenhorst
- Chantelle Van Zyl
- Charissa Carolus
- Charne Bell
- Dineo Ntsoane
- Eliza Askon
- Elizabeth Florence Mabee
- Esther Thomo
- Fendi Mokadi
- Florika Viljoen
- Fredine Swigelaar
- Gavaza Mongwe
- Heleen Fourie
- Janine van Wyk
- Jennifer Montgomery
- Jennifer Warren
- Jessie Jama
- Jocelyn Harding Skerritt
- Kay Knight
- Kefentse Valisi
- Kgomotso Buthelezi
- Khanyisa Phika
- Kholofelo Mdluli
- Kim Naidoo
- Lauren Jack
- Lauren-Marie Mkungela
- Lerato Sadike
- Linda Shongwe
- Lisinda Grobbelaar
- Lucinda Swart
- Maana Sehume
- Maiketso Nyamane
- Margarethe Feuth
- Mariette Vorster
- Mbali Vilakazi
- Mebelo Medupe
- Megan Jonker
- Meghan Cyster
- Moitoi Magoro
- Nadia Pereira
- Naledi Ginindza
- Naledi Mahwibila
- Naomi Nel
- Ndina Famadi
- Nompiliso Peter-Chauke
- Nomsa Makaringe
- Nonkqubela Mkizwana
- Nontobeko Hlope
- Nosisa Zincume
- Nozuko Jama
- Ntsaky Maluleke
- Ntwanano Molefakgotla
- Nwabisa Mbambo
- Otlotleng B. Mthimkhulu
- Pertunia Nkomo
- Phendukani Dlamini
- Phindile Ngwezi
- Reitumetse Moeng
- Rene Thurston
- Shomaveni Govender
- Tebogo Kgari
- Teboho Mthimkhulu
- Thandiwe Melato
- Thato Allen
- Tintswalo Ngobeni
- Tracey Elliott
- Trudie Oosthuizen
- Tshifhiwa Shikwambana
- Tsholofelo Patience Letsoalo
- Vallery Pieterse
- Zandile Maile
Also see: Erin Jane Miller prepares to represent South Africa at Mrs World 2026 with purpose and faith
