Miss South Africa 2026 announces finalists and judging panel

The Miss South Africa Organisation has announced the Top 12 finalists and the judging panel for the 2026 pageant. The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, 14 November 2026, at the Sandton Convention Centre, marking the conclusion of Qhawekazi Mazaleni’s reign.

The judging panel includes Advocate Thuli Madonsela, former Miss South Africa 2023 Natasha Vermaak, Dr Musa Mthombeni, and Pumla Molope, president of African Women Chartered Accountants. The event will be hosted by Lawrence Maleka and Jo-Ann Strauss, with Kuhle Adams and Kat Sinivasan managing the red carpet.

All 12 finalists—Alia Khan Koumantarakis, Amogelang Bunu, Bonolo Marang Motau, Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo, Katlego Malebye, Lesego Khumo Nyathela, Makhosazana Azana Masango, Ndivanga Muravha, Palesa van Rooyen, Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka, Tiyani Makamu, and Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg—will serve as Empower Youth Africa (EYA) ambassadors. The EYA initiative focuses on education, youth unemployment, entrepreneurship, health, and civic engagement.