Miss South Africa 2026: Top 19 finalists announced

The top 19 contestants have been chosen for Miss South Africa 2026. Minnie Dlamini, an accomplished TV host and businesswoman, introduced them during a live broadcast on the Miss SA YouTube channel. Despite not advancing to international competition, each finalist will champion the Empower Youth Africa campaign, an initiative aimed at utilizing influence for positive change.

This campaign is centered on youth and women's empowerment, focusing on diverse areas such as employment pathways, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, education, and civic engagement.

Alia Khan Koumantarakis, a 21-year-old from Durban, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and skills development. Amogelang Bunu, 27, from Mabopane, brings a focus on health and wellness to the stage. Bonolo Marang Motau, 25, from Johannesburg, advocates for education as her EYA initiative. Cwenga Katlego Koyana Kotu-Rammopo, 27, a social entrepreneur, emphasizes health and wellness in her campaign.

Ipeleng Pearl Madiba, 23, an archaeologist from Rustenburg, champions civic engagement and Pan-African collaboration. Katlego Malebye, 31, from Pretoria, focuses on community upliftment.

Kaylan Matthews, 30, from Gqeberha, promotes health and wellness as her initiative. Kendra Norah Horne, 29, from Hermanus, prioritizes health and wellness in her EYA project. Lesego Khumo Nyathela, 30, from Springs, also champions health and wellness. Makhosazana Azana Masango, 25, from Ndwedwe, focuses on community upliftment. Modiegi Mashamaite, 27, from Gauteng, emphasizes education in her campaign.

Ndiwanga Muravha, 22, from Mbombela, champions entrepreneurship and skills development. Palesa van Rooyen, 27, from Hobhouse, focuses on community upliftment. Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka, 26, originally from Johannesburg, prioritizes education. Sunshine Dlangamandla, 29, from Springs, focuses on civic engagement and Pan-African collaboration.

Tebogo Palesa Molatlhegi, 29, from Gauteng, advocates for health and wellness. Tiyani Makamu, 27, from Bronkhorstspruit, champions entrepreneurship and skills development. Finally, Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg, 20, from Gauteng, focuses on education in her EYA initiative.