Gauteng's Tiyani Makamu crowned Miss SA 2026

Tiyani Makamu, a 27-year-old communications professional, entrepreneur, and youth advocate from Bronkhorstspruit in Gauteng, has been crowned Miss South Africa 2026. The finale of the Miss SA pageant, which took place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, marked a shift from the previous venue at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.

Makamu succeeded Qhawekazi Mazaleni, who was Miss SA 2025, and was supported by Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo and Lesego Khumo Nyathela, who became the first and second princesses, respectively. The pageant's focus this year has shifted towards leadership, entrepreneurship, and social impact, with all finalists given the opportunity to become agents of change in their communities through the Empower Youth Africa initiative.

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