FAQs

Frequently asked Questions

What is Empower Youth Africa (EYA)?
Empower Youth Africa (EYA) is the official social impact and leadership development programme of the Miss South Africa Organisation, positioned at the heart of its New Era.

EYA focuses on empowering youth and women through:
Education, Entrepreneurship and skills development, Health and wellness
Community upliftment, Civic engagement and Pan-African collaboration

All finalists and the titleholder are required to actively participate in EYA initiatives, campaigns and activations, contributing to measurable and sustainable impact.

How do I enter Miss South Africa 2026?
Entries must be completed via the official online application platform on the Miss South Africa website or app.

Full entry guidelines and criteria will be provided on official Miss South Africa platforms.

When do entries open and close?
Entries open on 28 April 2026 and close on 17 May 2026.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Please refer to the link below
Are there any conduct or background requirements?
Yes. Applicants must not have been involved in any conduct that could bring the organisation into disrepute, including but not limited to racism, crime, bullying, fraud or defamation.

All shortlisted candidates will undergo vetting, including background checks and verification of submitted information.

Do I need prior experience, qualifications or pageant training?
No. Miss South Africa is looking for potential, purpose and leadership, not prior pageant experience.

Entrant must demonstrate a genuine commitment to impact, leadership and social responsibility, particularly aligned to EYA.

As an entrant, will I need to be available full-time?
Yes. Finalists will be required to commit to the programme on a full-time basis during key periods of the competition, including filming, activations and the lead-up to the finale.

The eventual titleholder and runner-up will also have full-time ambassadorial responsibilities during their year of reign.

Can I have other commitments during the competition?
Applicants must ensure that no existing contractual or professional commitments conflict with the competition timeline. Finalists may be required to suspend certain obligations to participate fully.
Is there a financial cost to enter?
No. There is no cost to enter Miss South Africa. Applicants are not required to incur personal expenses to participate.
What happens if I win Miss South Africa?
The winner becomes a full-time brand ambassador for the Miss South Africa Organisation and a leading voice for Empower Youth Africa (EYA).

She will:
Lead national and continental impact initiatives
Represent South Africa on global platforms
Drive structured EYA programmes and campaigns

The runner-up will also serve as an ambassador and may be required to fulfil official duties during her year of reign.

What is the purpose of Miss South Africa today?
Miss South Africa is no longer defined as a traditional pageant. It is a platform that develops leaders, creates visibility for impact, and contributes to national and continental transformation.

It is where future leaders rise, and where influence is translated into action.