Miss SA 2026: Meet the Top 19 finalists

The Miss SA organisation has announced their Top 19 finalists, who will compete for the prestigious Miss SA 2026 title.

MISS SA CHANGES OWNERSHIP, NEW RULES

This year the Miss South Africa 2026 winner will not compete on any of the three major international stages. Howvever, all 19 finalists will drive an Empower Youth Africa (EYA) campaign, the official social impact programme of Miss South Africa, after the organisation changed ownership. Former Miss SA CEO Stephanie Weil stepped down from her role on 9 July 2025, after six years. It was later revealed that Motsepe Group of Companies would be taking over.

So, this year, the organisation said EYA aims to turn influence into action by focusing on youth and women’s empowerment through employment pathways, entrepreneurship, skills development, health and wellness, education, scholarships, digital learning, civic engagement, leadership development and Pan-African collaboration. South African TV host and media personality Minnie Dlamini hosted the reveal, which was broadcasted live on the Miss SA YouTube pages.

WHO ARE THE TOP 19 FINALISTS?

Meet your Top 19 finalists below.

Alia Khan Koumantarakis, 21, from Durban, representing KwaZulu-Natal. A creative entrepreneur, her EYA initiative focuses on entrepreneurship and skills development.

Amogelang Bunu, 27, from Mabopane, representing Gauteng. A speech therapist, her initiative focuses on health and wellness.

Bonolo Marang Motau, 25, from Johannesburg, representing Gauteng. A brand and marketing professional, her initiative focuses on education.

Cwenga Katlego Koyana Kotu-Rammopo, 27, representing Gauteng. A social entrepreneur, her initiative focuses on health and wellness.

Ipeleng Pearl Madiba, 23, from Rustenburg, representing the North West. A qualified archaeologist, her initiative focuses on civic engagement and Pan-African collaboration.

Katlego Malebye, 31, from Pretoria, representing Gauteng. A candidate architect, her initiative focuses on community upliftment.

Kaylan Matthews, 30, from Gqeberha, representing the Eastern Cape. A women’s fitness coach, her initiative focuses on health and wellness.

Kendra Norah Horne, 29, from Hermanus, representing the Western Cape. A sports scientist, her initiative focuses on health and wellness.

Lesego Khumo Nyathela, 30, from Springs, representing Gauteng. A model and entrepreneur, her initiative focuses on health and wellness.

Makhosazana Azana Masango, 25, from Ndwedwe, representing KwaZulu-Natal. A musician, model and philanthropist, her initiative focuses on community upliftment.

Modiegi Mashamaite, 27, representing Gauteng. A journalist and news reporter, her initiative focuses on education.

Ndiwanga Muravha, 22, from Mbombela, representing Mpumalanga. An entrepreneur, her initiative focuses on entrepreneurship and skills development.

Palesa van Rooyen, 27, from Hobhouse in the Free State. A medical doctor, her initiative focuses on community upliftment.

Sanelisiwe Diko, 26, from the Eastern Cape is a qualified pharmacist who obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rhodes University.

Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka, 26, originally from Johannesburg, representing Gauteng. A senior actuarial associate, her initiative focuses on education.

Sunshine Dlangamandla, 29, from Springs, representing Gauteng. An assistant lecturer and researcher, her initiative focuses on civic engagement and Pan-African collaboration.

Tebogo Palesa Molatlhegi, 29, representing Gauteng. An investment specialist, her initiative focuses on health and wellness.

Tiyani Makamu, 27, from Bronkhorstspruit, representing Gauteng. An entrepreneur, her initiative focuses on entrepreneurship and skills development.

Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg, 20, representing Gauteng. An entrepreneur, her initiative focuses on education.

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