Miss South Africa 2026: Dr Musa Joins Thuli Madonsela on Judging Panel as Top 12 Finalists Are Revealed

The road to the Miss South Africa 2026 crown is heating up, with the Top 12 finalists officially revealed ahead of the highly anticipated finale on 14 November.

This year's competition promises to be more than a beauty pageant, with the finalists expected to showcase their personalities, leadership abilities and commitment to causes that matter to their communities.

The judging panel includes television personality and medical doctor Dr Musa Mthombeni, alongside Natasha Vermaak, Thuli Madonsela and Pumla Molope.

Their task will be to assess the finalists as they compete for one of South Africa's most recognisable titles, which continues to place a spotlight on women's leadership, advocacy and public influence.

Miss South Africa 2026: Meet the Top 12 Finalists

The 12 women who have made it through to the final stage of the competition are Alia Khan Koumantarakis, Amogelang Bunu, Bonolo Marang Motau, Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo, Katlego Malebye and Lesego Khumo Nyathela.

The remaining finalists are Makhosazana Azana Masango, Ndivanga Muravha, Palesa van Rooyen, Simoné Nonhlanhla Tshituka, Tiyani Makamu and Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg.

Each finalist has an EYA cause, giving the contestants an opportunity to highlight issues they care about and demonstrate how they hope to make a difference beyond the competition.

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The EYA platform forms part of the pageant's broader focus on purpose and advocacy, encouraging contestants to use their visibility to draw attention to causes that deserve public support.

This year's theme, Imbokodo, places women and their strength at the centre of the conversation, reinforcing the importance of resilience, leadership and the impact women can have in their communities.

Miss South Africa 2026: Dr Musa and Natasha Among the Judges

Dr Musa Mthombeni's inclusion on the judging panel brings a familiar media personality to the competition. Known for his work in television and medicine, he joins Natasha Vermaak, Thuli Madonsela and Pumla Molope in the task of selecting this year's winner.

The panel will have to consider more than appearance, with the contestants' communication skills, confidence, advocacy work and ability to represent the country likely to be important aspects of the competition.

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Lawrence Maleka and Jo-Ann Strauss will host the main event, while Kuhle Adams and Katleho Sinivasan will take charge of the red-carpet coverage, bringing audiences closer to the excitement before the show begins.

The grand finale is scheduled for 14 November 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, with viewers able to watch the event live on DStv channel 161.

With 12 finalists competing for the crown, the stage is set for a night celebrating South African women, their ambitions and the causes they champion.