Bajabulise Thela and Romanda Hombir Crowned Miss Universe and Miss World SA 2026

The South African pageant landscape shifted significantly this past weekend as two new queens were crowned during a ceremony held in Menlyn on 18 July 2026. The event, which serves as a pathway for South African representatives to major international stages, saw Bajabulise Thela crowned Miss Universe South Africa 2026, while Romanda Hombir was named Miss World South Africa 2026.

Profiles of the New Titleholders

Bajabulise Thela, a Swati woman from Mpumalanga, brings a blend of academic and professional experience to her new role. A marketing graduate and qualified flight attendant, Thela is also recognized for her advocacy through the Mambane Foundation, a non-profit she founded to combat hunger and malnutrition. Her history in pageantry dates back to 2021, when she was named the first-ever Miss Teen Grand winner. She is now scheduled to represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this November.

Romanda Hombir, who joins her as Miss World South Africa 2026, previously finished as the 2nd runner-up in the 2024 competition. With heritage spanning Zulu, Swati, and German cultures, Hombir will travel to Vietnam later this year to compete in the 73rd edition of the Miss World pageant.

Strategic Shifts

The crowning event highlights a broader evolution in the local pageant industry. Shannon Benting, who was recently crowned Miss African Beauty Supranational South Africa 2026, serves as a prime example of this shift. At 30 years old, Benting is a model and a content creator.

Advocacy and Community Impact

The 2026 competition cycle has drawn a diverse group of finalists, including engineers, doctors, lawyers, and educators, all of whom have integrated specific social causes into their platforms. Finalists like Musa Daweti have emphasized the need for systemic change in education.

“Accessible education is a cause closest to my heart. I am especially passionate about advocating for students who are often overlooked, because no-one should lose out on an education simply because they cannot afford it. Education should open doors, not remind people of the doors they cannot enter.”

Musa Daweti, Miss African Beauty South Africa 2026 finalist

Fellow finalist Bongisisiwe Ndumela, an actress and drama therapy student at Wits University, is focusing on the therapeutic potential of the arts. She stated her intention to create arts-based community therapy programmes that use art and theatre as tools for healing and social transformation, particularly for young people struggling with issues like gender-based violence and substance abuse.

Looking Toward International Representation

With the domestic selection process now concluded, the focus shifts to the international schedule. Shannon Benting is set to represent South Africa in Poland later this month for the Miss Supranational pageant. Meanwhile, Thela and Hombir are preparing for their respective global competitions in November and later this year.