The Miss South Africa Organisation has announced the 24 finalists who will compete for the Miss SA 2026 title, and the selection reflects the ambition that has been at the heart of the platform’s repositioning. These are not beauty contestants in the traditional sense. They are architects, pilots, medical doctors, machine learning engineers, filmmakers, actuaries and archaeologists, all of whom happen also to be extraordinary-looking women.
According to the organisation, the Top 24 embody the evolution of Miss South Africa as a platform dedicated to leadership, purpose and meaningful impact. Through its Empower Youth Africa framework, finalists are challenged to demonstrate a commitment to five key pillars: access to education, social entrepreneurship and job creation, mental health and wellness, access to healthcare, and pan-African collaboration. The reigning titleholder is Qhawekazi Mazaleni, a speech-language and hearing therapist from the Eastern Cape, who was crowned at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
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Who are the Top 24?
Alia Khan Koumantarakis, 21, from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is a filmmaker, director, producer, published author and creative entrepreneur.
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Amogelang Bunu, 27, from Mabopane, Gauteng, is a speech therapist, audiologist, entrepreneur and part-time clinical educator at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Bonolo Marang Motau, 25, from Johannesburg, Gauteng, is a strategic brand and marketing professional, academic and youth empowerment advocate.
Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo, 27, from Gauteng, is a social entrepreneur, digital storyteller and co-founder and managing director of Talitha Together.
Gift Ntimani, 24, from Atteridgeville, Gauteng, is a qualified remote pilot with a Beyond Visual Line of Sight rating, a private pilot student and the founder of Kasi to the World, an initiative that introduces young people from underserved communities to opportunities within the aviation industry.
Ipeleng Pearl Madiba, 23, from Rustenburg, North West, is a qualified archaeologist and Honours student in Archaeology at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Katlego Malebye, 31, from Pretoria, Gauteng, is a Candidate Architect passionate about creating sustainable housing solutions and expanding opportunities for young people within the built environment.
Kaylan Matthews, 30, from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, is a women’s fitness coach, entrepreneur and founder of Coach Kay.
Kendra Norah Horne, 29, from Hermanus, Western Cape, is a sports scientist with qualifications from Stellenbosch University, the University of the Western Cape and Université Paris-Saclay in France.
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Lesego Khumo Nyathela, 30, from Springs, Gauteng, is a model, entrepreneur and healthcare advocate with a passion for improving healthcare awareness among young people.
Makhosazana Azana Masango, 25, from Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, is a musician, model and philanthropist currently pursuing an LLB through UNISA.
Modiegi Mashamaite, 27, from Gauteng, is a journalist and news reporter, a Rhodes University graduate with a Bachelor of Journalism and Media Studies.
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Ndiwanga Muravha, 22, from Mbombela, Mpumalanga, is a youth development advocate, entrepreneur and Master’s student in Agriculture at the University of Mpumalanga.
Nongcebo Mngadi, 30, originally from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is a filmmaker, storyteller and production professional, an AFDA graduate who specialised in Screenwriting and Directing.
Ofentse Palesa Precious Motaung, 22, from Johannesburg, Gauteng, is a BA Law graduate, writer, and youth advocate.
Palesa van Rooyen, 27, from Hobhouse, Free State, is a medical doctor and children’s advocate who holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from Stellenbosch University.
Sanelisiwe Diko, 26, from the Eastern Cape, is a qualified pharmacist who obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy from Rhodes University.
Sibahle Ngwenya, 28, from KwaZulu-Natal, is a machine learning research engineer whose work spans engineering, artificial intelligence and mental health innovation.
Simone Nonhlanhla Tshituka, 26, originally from Johannesburg, Gauteng, is a Senior Actuarial Associate and Actuarial Science graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Sunshine Dlangamandla, 29, from Springs, Gauteng, is a Master of Architecture graduate, Design Architect, Assistant Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Johannesburg.
Tebogo Palesa Molatlhegi, 29, from Gauteng, is an investment specialist and financial sector marketer, holding a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Management from Rhodes University.
Tiyani Makamu, 27, from Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, is a communications professional, entrepreneur and youth advocate.
Unami Mthethwa, 24, from KwaZulu-Natal, is a content creator, marketer and media professional, a BA Communication and Media graduate from the University of Johannesburg.
Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg, 20, from Gauteng, is an entrepreneur, author, and youth advocate pursuing a Bachelor of Laws through the Open University of London, and the co-founder of fashion company Emberman Official.
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