Miss South Africa 2026: Meet the 12 women competing for the crown on Saturday [video]

The Miss South Africa 2026 finalists are officially sashed. On Saturday, 14 November, one of 12 women will take the crown from reigning queen Qhawekazi Mazaleni.

The other 11 won’t leave empty-handed, though, and this year’s pageant is about more than just the crown.

Days before the finale, the organisation announced a contribution of nearly R5 million to its women’s leadership impact fund.

The Top 12 also received their sashes at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange ahead of the finale.

READ | Miss South Africa 2026: Not a single blonde among Top 12 finalists

How to watch the Miss SOUTH AFRICA finale

This year’s finale moves from its usual home at Pretoria’s SunBet Arena to the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

It will be broadcast live on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) from 19:30.

Before the show, Kuhle Adams and Kat Sinivasan will host the red carpet live on S3.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir and JAZZWRLD will perform on the night.

Tickets start at R450 and are available through TicketPro, or in store at House of Nala at Oceans Mall and Sandton City.

Actor and presenter Lawrence Maleka and former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss will host.

The five judges include former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, Miss South Africa 2023 Natasha Vermaak and Dr Musa Mthombeni.

Meet the Miss South Africa 2026 Top 12

The finalists, in alphabetical order by first name, are:

• 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
• Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg

They include a creative entrepreneur from Durban, a speech therapist from Mabopane and a brand marketing professional from Johannesburg.

Music fans may also recognise Makhosazana Azana Masango as the singer Azana.

More than a Miss SA crown

This year’s theme is Imbokodo, the isiZulu word for a grinding stone, a symbol of women’s strength.

Each finalist already runs an initiative through Empower Youth Africa, the organisation’s impact platform, focusing on areas such as literacy, mental health, youth employment and financial wellness.

On finale night, all 12 will be named Empower Youth Africa ambassadors, whether or not they win.