Crown Drama! Tiyani Makamu Reveals Why She Entered Miss South Africa And It Wasn’t For The Glam

South Africa’s newest beauty queen, Tiyani Makamu, is making it clear that her ambitions go far beyond the glamour of the crown. The 27-year-old from Bronkhorstspruit says she was drawn to Miss South Africa because it had evolved into a leadership platform rather than simply a competition centred on physical beauty.

Makamu was crowned on Saturday at the Sandton Convention Centre, where 12 finalists took to the stage to present their causes, showcase designer outfits and explain why they deserved the prestigious title. As the competition narrowed down to the Top Five, the questions increasingly focused on empowerment, driving change and becoming a pioneer.

And it seems the organisers were looking for more than a pretty face to represent the country!

Tiyani Makamu Says Miss South Africa's Leadership Focus Inspired Her

One of the judges, Dr Musa Mthombeni, made it clear before the finale that leadership was a major consideration in choosing the next Miss South Africa. He explained that while all the finalists were beautiful, the judges wanted someone with substance, empathy and an understanding of challenges beyond their immediate communities.

“We're looking for a good leader. We're looking for someone who's empathetic, someone who understands the problems that don't exist just in their communities, but exist outside of that,” Mthombeni said.

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For Makamu, that message was exactly what she needed to hear. She revealed that she grew up in a conservative household where beauty pageants were not encouraged, and although she had participated in one competition earlier in her life, her career eventually took priority.

However, when the Miss South Africa call for entries came around in April/May 2026, something caught her attention. She said the announcement that the pageant was no longer just about beauty, but had become a leadership platform, immediately resonated with her.

“It's a leadership platform. And that set me on fire because it aligned with who I am,” she explained.

Makamu added that the unveiling of the five pillars of EYA further convinced her that the competition offered an opportunity to speak from a position of leadership rather than being judged against beauty standards.

Miss South Africa's New Crown Sparks Questions As Organisers Promise Designer Competition

While Makamu’s victory has been celebrated, another talking point has emerged: the new Miss South Africa crown. Social media users have been comparing it to the diamond tiara worn by previous titleholders, prompting questions about the change.

During a media briefing after the finale, pageant spokesperson Zawadi Dlamini addressed the curiosity surrounding the crown and revealed that more details about its creation would be shared. She also announced plans to involve young designers through a competition that will allow them to contribute to the crown's making.

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“We are engaging young designers; we are going to do a competition for people who will contribute to the making of the crown. It's something that we will be sharing. Obviously, the making of the crown is something that is exciting and glamorous. We will be sharing the process,” Dlamini said.

So, while the crown may be attracting its fair share of attention, Makamu appears determined to make the leadership side of her new role count. Her message is clear: Miss South Africa is about what a woman can contribute, not just how she looks while wearing the crown.