Miss SA Top 12 Unveiled, Winner to Be Crowned on 14 November 2026
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.
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.
Meet the Top 12:
Alia Khan Koumantarakis | SUPPLIED
Alia Khan Koumantarakis, 21, from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is a filmmaker, director, producer, published author and creative entrepreneur. An AFDA Cape Town graduate who completed her Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture cum laude and the founder of Stalia Productions, where she develops African stories. Her achievements include publishing her debut novel, RIOT, receiving a scholarship from the New York Film Academy and being recognised as IMTA Overall Female Talent and Most Sought After Talent.
Through the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework, Alia’s advocacy focuses on literacy, education, skills development and creative empowerment. Inspired by her own experience of overcoming dyslexia, she is passionate about helping young people discover the confidence that comes through reading, writing and storytelling.
Her initiative aims to create national writing competitions, expand access to books and technology in underserved schools, and connect aspiring writers with mentorship and opportunities within the creative industries. Through her advocacy, she hopes to build a national storytelling movement that nurtures young African voices, improves literacy outcomes and creates pathways into publishing, film and other creative industries.
Amogelang Bunu | SUPPLIED
Amogelang Bunu, 27, from Mabopane, Gauteng, is a Speech Therapist, Audiologist, entrepreneur and part-time clinical educator at the University of the Witwatersrand. She holds a Bachelor in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology and a Master in Audiology from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. She is also the founder of Bunu Speech Therapy and Audiology, a private practice dedicated to improving access to communication and hearing healthcare.
Through the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework, Amogelang’s advocacy initiative, Communication, Access and Safety Through Playground, focuses on child development, communication health and access to safe play spaces. She advocates for the integration of sport infrastructure and mandatory communication and hearing screenings in schools, believing that play and physical activity are essential for children’s cognitive, social and emotional development.
A former Junior World Karate Champion, Amogelang combines her experience as a clinician and athlete to drive community impact. Through workshops, digital education platforms and community outreach initiatives, she raises awareness about hearing health, communication development and early screening. Her vision is to improve developmental outcomes for children by creating environments that support learning, communication, wellbeing and inclusion.
Bonolo Marang Motau | SUPPLIED
Bonolo Marang Motau, 25, from Johannesburg, Gauteng, is a strategic brand and marketing professional, academic and youth empowerment advocate. A three-time graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand, she holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Commerce Honours and Master of Commerce degree, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration.
She works in commercial strategy within the fast-moving consumer goods sector, with experience spanning brand management, media, marketing and business leadership. Through the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework, Bonolo’s advocacy focuses on educational access, digital inclusion and youth empowerment. She aims to establish community-based Smart Education Hubs that provide support with university applications, bursary funding access, digital literacy training, career guidance and literacy development.
She is passionate about ensuring that young people, particularly those from underserved communities, have access to the tools, information and opportunities needed to pursue higher education and meaningful careers. Through her advocacy, she hopes to create sustainable pathways to academic and economic empowerment, ensuring that opportunity remains accessible to young South Africans regardless of their circumstances.
Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo | SUPPLIED
Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo, 27, from Gauteng, is a social entrepreneur, digital storyteller and Co-Founder and Managing Director of Talitha Together. Holding degrees in Theatre and Performing Arts, Film and Television, and a Master’s degree in Digital Curation from the University of Cape Town, she is passionate about youth empowerment, education and creating opportunities for vulnerable young people across Africa.
Through the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework, Cwenga’s advocacy focuses on adolescent pregnancy prevention and empowering adolescent parents through education and skills development. She aims to address the barriers that often exclude young parents from educational and economic opportunities, while promoting access to future-ready skills, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion.
Since founding Talitha Together in 2021, Cwenga has helped empower more than 3,500 pregnant girls, adolescent mothers and their children across Southern Africa, while providing pregnancy prevention education to over 20,000 learners. A recipient of numerous leadership and entrepreneurship awards, including the UNESCO and Women@Dior Dream For Change Project Award for Africa, she hopes to create a future where no young person is excluded from opportunity because of their circumstances.
Katlego Malebye | SUPPLIED
Katlego Malebye, 31, from Pretoria, Gauteng, is a Candidate Architect passionate about creating sustainable housing solutions and expanding opportunities for young people within the built environment. A triple-degree graduate, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) and a Master of Architecture qualification and is currently completing her practical training towards professional registration with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).
Through the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework, Kat’s advocacy initiative, Build for Change, focuses on affordable housing, youth unemployment and increasing opportunities for women in STEM-related fields. Inspired by her work on an RDP housing audit project in the Eastern Cape, she aims to address the link between housing, dignity and access to opportunity by creating pathways for young people, particularly young women, within the built environment and infrastructure sectors.
Kat’s academic achievements earned her recognition among the top 15% of students and induction into the Golden Key International Honour Society. Through Build for Change, she hopes to establish mentorship programmes, industry partnerships and skills development opportunities that contribute to employment creation, improved living conditions and greater representation of women within the built environment sector.
Lesego Khumo Nyathela | SUPPLIED
Lesego Khumo Nyathela, 30, from Springs, Gauteng, is a model, entrepreneur and healthcare advocate with a passion for improving healthcare awareness among young people. A cum laude Business Management graduate from Boston City Campus, she combines entrepreneurship, advocacy and public engagement to drive conversations around health equity, chronic illness education and organ donation awareness.
Through the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework, Lesego’s advocacy focuses on the Health and Wellness pillar. Inspired by her family’s experience with chronic illness, she is committed to increasing awareness around organ donation, preventative healthcare and early diagnosis. Her long-term vision is to build sustainable programmes that empower young people with access to health information and contribute to broader conversations around equitable healthcare across Africa.
Lesego has established a healthcare advocacy platform focused on healthcare equity, chronic illness education and organ donation awareness. She also volunteers with Act Africa in initiatives addressing gender-based violence and regularly mentors young people on career development and entrepreneurship.
Makhosazana Azana Masango | SUPPLIED
Makhosazana Azana Masango, 25, from Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, is a musician, model and philanthropist currently pursuing an LLB through UNISA. Best known for her chart-topping music career and through her work as an artist, she aims to inspire hope, healing and positive change while using her platform to uplift communities.
Through the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework, Azana’s advocacy focuses on Access to Education and Knowledge. Inspired by her work at Phuzulwazi Secondary School and her experiences in underserved communities, she advocates for improved educational resources, including libraries, laboratories, learning facilities and essential school infrastructure. She believes access to quality educational tools is critical to unlocking young people’s potential.
Azana currently runs a school choir programme and mentors aspiring young artists by providing access to safe, fully funded studio opportunities. Through her advocacy, she hopes to help create learning environments where young people have the resources, opportunities and support needed to thrive and reach their full potential.
Ndiwanga Muravha | SUPPLIED
Ndiwanga Muravha, 22, from Mbombela, Mpumalanga, is a youth development advocate, entrepreneur and Master’s student in Agriculture at the University of Mpumalanga. She works in Project Management at Charged Up Entrepreneurship Africa Network, which promotes entrepreneurship, innovation and business development across the continent. Passionate about youth empowerment, she founded Crimson Creative, an initiative focused on equipping young people with digital skills, mentorship and future-focused opportunities.
Through the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework, Ndiwanga’s advocacy focuses on youth unemployment, access to education and entrepreneurship. Through Crimson Creative, she aims to bridge the digital divide by providing young people with digital skills, mentorship and access to opportunities that improve employability and support entrepreneurship. Her long-term vision is to establish Crimson Creative as a leading African hub for digital skills development, innovation and business creation.
Ndiwanga’s achievements include representing South Africa on an Entrepreneurship Study Tour to Ireland through THENSA in 2025 and participating in the South Africa-Germany Connect & Act Youth Exchange Programme in 2024. She was also crowned Miss UMP 2022/23 and received the UMP Arts and Culture Performer of the Year Award in 2022. Her community involvement includes youth mentorship, entrepreneurship programmes, clothing donation drives and free digital skills webinars designed to empower young people across South Africa.
Palesa van Rooyen | SUPPLIED
Palesa van Rooyen, 27, from Hobhouse in the Free State, is a medical doctor and children’s advocate who holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from Stellenbosch University. Passionate about child health, protection and development, she hopes to specialise in Paediatrics while expanding her work into child rights advocacy and community-based healthcare initiatives.
Through the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework, Palesa’s advocacy focuses on child safety, nutrition and quality early childhood development. She aims to strengthen awareness, caregiver education and community-based support systems that protect children and promote their wellbeing, particularly in underserved communities.
Palesa has supported initiatives including the Impilo Project, Marotholi Outreach and Hlokomela Bana, which focus on child nutrition, healthcare and support for children with disabilities. Through her advocacy, she hopes to contribute to a future where every child feels seen, safe and empowered to reach their full potential.
Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka | SUPPLIED
Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka, 26, originally from Johannesburg in Gauteng is a Senior Actuarial Associate and Actuarial Science graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand. Having completed a BSc Honours in Actuarial Science and currently pursuing professional qualification through the Actuarial Society of South Africa, she is passionate about education, problem-solving and expanding access to STEM opportunities for young people.
Through the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework, Simoné’s advocacy focuses on improving foundational mathematics education in underserved communities. Inspired by her own academic journey and the underrepresentation of Black women in actuarial science, she aims to build mathematical confidence, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while increasing access to educational resources, mentorship and STEM career pathways. Simoné has participated in educational outreach, mentorship and community initiatives, including supporting learners interested in actuarial science and other STEM careers. Through her advocacy, she hopes to help create a future where more young South Africans, particularly young women, can confidently pursue opportunities in mathematics, science and technology.
Tiyani Makamu | SUPPLIED
Tiyani Makamu, 27, from Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, is a communications professional, entrepreneur and youth advocate. A graduate of Pearson Institute of Higher Education, she currently serves as a Group Digital Lead and Client Success Executive. She is also the founder of Hubsela, a platform dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and helping small businesses grow sustainably.
Through the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework, Tiyani’s advocacy focuses on Entrepreneurship and Skills Development, Youth Unemployment, and Access to Education and Knowledge. She is passionate about equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, systems and support needed to build sustainable businesses, believing that entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of economic empowerment, job creation and community development. Tiyani has served on the board of the Mfudumalo Foundation, where she contributed to initiatives that supported thousands of families and established a community library in Ivory Park. Through her advocacy and entrepreneurial work, she hopes to help more young people become funding-ready, build successful businesses and create opportunities within their communities.
Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg | SUPPLIED
Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg, 20, from Gauteng, is an entrepreneur, author and youth advocate currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree through the Open University of London. She is the co-founder of Emberman Official; a fashion company focused on creating bespoke garments through locally and ethically sourced manufacturing. A published children’s book author and founder of Never Too Young To Advocate, Zoalize is passionate about empowering young people through education, creativity and leadership development.
Through the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework, Zoalize’s advocacy focuses on education, youth development and creating opportunities for young people to realise their full potential. Inspired by her own educational journey, she believes meaningful education extends beyond traditional academics and should nurture creativity, critical thinking and innovation.
Zoalize’s achievements include publishing an educational children’s book, speaking at the United Nations International Social Justice Conference in 2024, being nominated for the Women of Stature Award and leading Never Too Young To Advocate for more than five years. She also serves as an ambassador for the Smile Foundation, Arms of Mercy and MiDesk Global. Through her advocacy, she hopes to inspire a generation of young South Africans who understand that education is a powerful tool for change and that their circumstances should never define the limits of their dreams.