Hosted by Minnie Dlamini via a YouTube live stream, the campaign focuses on youth and women’s empowerment through targeted social action.
By Zuko Komisa

The Miss South Africa organisation has revealed its top 19 finalists for 2026 during a live broadcast hosted by TV personality and businesswoman Minnie Dlamini.
In a departure from previous years, the upcoming titleholder will not participate in international pageants. Instead, all 19 contenders will champion the Empower Youth Africa (EYA) campaign—the official social impact initiative of the pageant.
According to the organisers, the EYA movement aims to translate influence into tangible social change.
“Miss South Africa 2026 is not just a stage, it’s a movement for leadership, empowerment and real social impact,” the organisation stated.
“Through Empower Youth Africa, this journey goes beyond the crown, driving meaningful change in communities across the country and continent.”
The campaign focuses on key developmental areas, including employment pathways, entrepreneurship, skills development, healthcare, digital learning, civic engagement, and Pan-African collaboration.
The Top 19 Finalists
- Alia Khan Koumantarakis (21, KwaZulu-Natal): Creative entrepreneur targeting entrepreneurship and skills development.
- Amogelang Bunu (27, Gauteng): Speech therapist advocating for health and wellness.
- Bonolo Marang Motau (25, Gauteng): Brand and marketing professional driving education initiatives.
- Cwenga Katlego Koyana Kotu-Rammopo (27, Gauteng): Social entrepreneur focusing on health and wellness.
- Ipeleng Pearl Madiba (23, North West): Qualified archaeologist working on civic engagement and Pan-African collaboration.
- Katlego Malebye (31, Gauteng): Candidate architect championing community upliftment.
- Kaylan Matthews (30, Eastern Cape): Women’s fitness coach supporting health and wellness.
- Kendra Norah Horne (29, Western Cape): Sports scientist focusing on health and wellness.
- Lesego Khumo Nyathela (30, Gauteng): Model and entrepreneur advocating for health and wellness.
- Makhosazana Azana Masango (25, KwaZulu-Natal): Musician and philanthropist driving community upliftment.
- Modiegi Mashamaite (27, Gauteng): Journalist and news reporter advocating for education.
- Ndiwanga Muravha (22, Mpumalanga): Entrepreneur focusing on skills development and entrepreneurship.
- Palesa van Rooyen (27, Free State): Medical doctor championing community upliftment.
- Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka (26, Gauteng): Senior actuarial associate driving educational upliftment.
- Sunshine Dlangamandla (29, Gauteng): Researcher promoting civic engagement and Pan-African collaboration.
- Tebogo Palesa Molatlhegi (29, Gauteng): Investment specialist focusing on health and wellness.
- Tiyani Makamu (27, Gauteng): Entrepreneur targeting skills development and entrepreneurship.
- Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg (20, Gauteng): Entrepreneur focusing on educational growth.
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