Not just a crown: Miss SA misses out on luxury car and penthouse

It’s not just a crown that Miss SA 2026 Tiyani Makamu has forgone under the pageant’s new ownership. The new queen has also missed out on a posh penthouse and luxury car too, which were previously included in the prize package.

MISS SA NO LONGER INCLUDES CAR AND APARTMENT AS OFFICIAL PRIZES

Many South Africans have expressed their disappointment that Tiyani Makamu was not given the pageant-worthy crowning moment she deserved after receiving an underwhelming headpiece.

But that’s not all she’s missing out on. Under the new ownership of the Motsepe family, the new Miss SA’s prize package no longer includes the use of a luxury penthouse and car for the duration of her reign. 

Up until this year, winners were granted the use of three-bedroom apartments in luxury estates, as well as various luxury Mercedes-Benz models.

According to Miss SA chairperson, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, who took over ownership late last year, the pageant’s new model featured fewer luxury lifestyle benefits and more investment in leadership, entrepreneurship and measurable community impact.

“Our ambition is not simply to crown a woman, but to support a generation of women leaders who will help shape South Africa’s future”, Moloi-Motsepe told the public.

The Miss SA winner will also no longer compete in international pageants such as Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss Supranational, and will focus more on domestic endeavours.

Miss SA used to have sponsors for Skin Care, Make-Up, Dental cover, clothing from YDE and Truworths I think, shoes, Mercedes car, an apartment, Jewellery from Pandora etc keep your crown!! #MissSA2026

— Yolanda_N2Lee (@symo_summer) November 14, 2026

WHAT HAS SHE WON?

Apart from the title of Miss SA, the new queen receives a R1 million cash prize and R500 000 in dedicated funding for her social-impact projects.

The first princess, Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo, receives a R250 000 cash award and a dedicated R150 000 Impact Fund, whilst the second princess,  Lesego Khumo Nyathela, gets a R150 000 cash award and a dedicated R100 000 Impact Fund.

The top three contestants will also receive executive development opportunities, mentorship, wellness support, access to regional and international leadership networks, and the chance to lead initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, health, and youth development.