Meet the women competing for South Africa’s next major pageant titles

Venecia Valentine

Miss African Beauty SA has officially unveiled its top 30 finalists for 2026, introducing a diverse group of women hoping to represent South Africa on the global stage.

This year’s competition will see contestants competing for both the:

• Miss Universe 2026 crown
• and Miss Supranational 2026 title

following a newly merged competition format.

The finalists were announced on social media, with Gauteng dominating the competition with 15 contestants.

Meet the inspiring women hoping to wear the prestigious crowns and represent South Africa on
the international stage.

Gauteng

• Annedernive Brown (28) is an internal sales coordinator and model. She previously entered Miss SA 2025 and was a finalist in the Miss Grand pageant in 2023.
• Ashleigh Alves (28) is a property and compliance specialist with a Bachelor’s degree in Property Studies and an honours qualification from Wits University.
• Allison Esmeraldo (22) is a model, published researcher and law student who was crowned Miss Culture Global Queen 2024.
• Dominique Manuell (22) is a model and actress who won Miss Unity SA 2024 before being appointed director of Miss Worldwide SA in 2025.
• Jessica Nel (26) is a social media manager, graphic design graduate, model and animal welfare advocate. She currently holds the Miss Earth SA 2024 title.
• Luyanda Mkhize (25) is a model with a degree in Financial Management and Accounting. She has walked for top South African brands including Malondie and MaXhosa Africa.
• Ofentse Mogale (24) works in recruitment and onboarding and holds a communications qualification from the University of Johannesburg. She was a top 20 finalist in Miss Soweto 2020.
• Ontshiametse Tlhopane (24) is a criminology master’s candidate who placed in the top five at Miss SA 2024.
• Ria Malatji (27) is a teacher, postgraduate student and lifestyle content creator focusing on hair and fashion.
• Shannon Benting (30) is a model and content creator passionate about empowering women and creating safe spaces for them to thrive.
• Stacey-Lee April (26) holds qualifications in Public Management and International Relations and is the founder of the Hope Again Foundation.
• Tiziana Devipursad (31) is a graphic designer and fitness and lifestyle content creator.
• Tshiamo Mobe (26) is a radio presenter, actress and model with an honours degree in Dramatic Arts from Wits University.
• Whitney Du Bruyn (32) is an entrepreneur, professional dancer and founder of décor company Tied With A Knot.
• Zamokuhle Vilakazi (27) is a digital marketing professional focused on community upliftment and skills development through her organisation, Okuhle Collab.

Limpopo

• Molemo Maimela (24) is an executive assistant currently studying IT. She is also a runway model and founder of Set Apart Models.
• Londotani Mudau (23) is a teacher pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Pretoria.
• Joretha Mafane (29) is a Metallurgical Engineering master’s candidate and mental health advocate.
• Charlotte Mogotlane (29) is a civil engineer, realtor and director of The Kingdom Cares Foundation.

Mpumalanga

• Bajabulise Thela (22) is a model, qualified flight attendant and founder of the Mambane Foundation. She holds a degree in Marketing and Sales and made history in 2021 as the first-ever Miss Teen Grand winner.
• Michelle Kruger (31) is a model, law graduate and sales and marketing manager who previously placed in the top 30 of Miss SA 2023.
• Romanda Hombir (26) is an audiologist, motivational speaker and model. She founded the Caring Purpose Foundation and was crowned second runner-up at Miss World 2024.

KwaZulu-Natal

• Zukiswa Majola (24) works as a cash receivables clerk while completing her Economics honours degree part-time. She is passionate about youth empowerment and education.
• Yolanda Skibi (24) is a Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice graduate advocating against gender-based violence.
• Oluhle Mthethwa (22) is a model and law graduate from the University of South Africa who advocates for affordable access to justice for women.

Eastern Cape

• Bongisisiwe Ndumela (26) is an actress, visual artist and technical assistant. She holds a BA Honours degree in Theatre and Performance and is currently studying Drama Therapy at Wits University.
• Musa Daweti (21) holds a diploma in Management and is pursuing an advanced diploma in Financial Management while advocating for accessible education.

Western Cape

• Jesmika Singh (26) is a Cancer Biology PhD candidate, breast cancer awareness advocate and content creator.
• Joey Roman (23) is a debtors clerk with a diploma in Financial Management.

North West

• Tlotlego Molefe (25) is an internal auditor passionate about youth empowerment through mentorship and skills development.

Competition aims to crown South Africa’s next international representative

The merged format is expected to intensify competition as finalists now compete for two major international pageant opportunities.

The organisation says the competition celebrates: empowerment, leadership, diversity intelligence and social impact while giving contestants a platform to advocate for causes close to them.

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