Joey Roman: From Delft to Japan as Miss International South Africa 2026

Joey Roman, a former resident of Delft, has been crowned Miss International South Africa 2026. The 23-year-old has spent years pursuing her dreams in the pageantry industry, facing numerous setbacks and disappointments along the way. Despite these challenges, Roman remained steadfast in her pursuit of the title. She credits her Christian faith for providing her with the strength to keep moving forward, even when faced with closed doors and self-doubt.

Roman's journey into pageantry began as a teenager, when she represented South Africa at Miss Teen Supranational in Ecuador in 2022. There, she celebrated her Khoisan heritage and won the Best Body award. Since then, she has competed on various stages but finally made it to the Miss International South Africa crown. As Miss International South Africa, Roman will represent her country in Japan at the upcoming Miss International competition.

She aims to showcase South African culture and her Khoisan heritage, highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of her background. In addition to her pageant work, Roman continues her humanitarian efforts through the Joey's Heart Foundation, partnering with organizations to provide food, clothing, and essential necessities to young girls in Delft.

Roman's crowning represents more than just a title; it signifies her triumph over adversity and her unwavering belief in the potential of young girls from humble beginnings. She hopes that her journey will inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their circumstances. The Miss International competition is set to take place at the end of November, and Roman is preparing intensively for her international debut in Japan, where she intends to be remembered for her resilience, authenticity, and genuine self-expression.