Finalists to compete at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 November, with all 12 set to become Empower Youth Africa ambassadors on finale night.
Miss South Africa has announced its Top 12 finalists for 2026, setting the stage for a finale that will celebrate leadership, purpose and impact alongside the crowning of the country’s next titleholder. The winner will be announced at the Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday, 14 November 2026.
But the crown is only part of the story. All 12 finalists will be welcomed as Empower Youth Africa (EYA) ambassadors on finale night, ensuring that their platform for change extends beyond the competition.
The Top12 finalists, listed alphabetically 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, and Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg
The announcement places a new group of young women at the forefront of a platform that develops leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs and agents of change. The finalists are already championing causes ranging from literacy and mental health to youth employment and financial wellness, reinforcing the message that they do not need to wait for a crown to make a difference.
At the heart of that mission is EYA, which turns visibility into action for young people. Last year’s cohort reached nearly 17,000 students across 16 schools and communities, a foundation for the next group of ambassadors to build on.
EYA focuses on five pillars: access to education and knowledge; youth unemployment; entrepreneurship and skills development; health and wellness; and civic engagement and Pan-African collaboration.
Under the 2026 theme, Imbokodo, the finalists embody the strength of the grinding stone: women who, through EYA, help shape South Africa’s youth into diamonds. While the competition will crown one winner, EYA champions every finalist and the work she carries into her community.
The competition’s assessment process centres on leadership, purpose and impact, with specialist judges and external audit verification. Finalists are supported through bootcamp, mentorship and their EYA initiatives, equipping them with skills and opportunities that reach beyond finale night.
Audiences can get to know the women and their journeys through The Mandate, Miss South Africa’s seven-part documentary series, streaming at https://www.misssa.co.za/the-mandate/
Tickets for the finale are now on sale through Ticketpro, starting at R450. Bookings can be made at Ticketpro.
The 14 November finale will bring together fashion, music and performance in a celebration of South African talent. Alongside the entertainment, the Top 12 announcement underscores the platform’s wider purpose: empowering women to lead and helping young people turn potential into possibility.