The Miss South Africa Organisation has revealed the five individuals who will form the judging panel for the 2026 grand finale, bringing together professionals from different fields to help select the country’s next beauty queen.
Advocate Thuli Madonsela is among the notable names who will take on the responsibility of choosing the next Miss South Africa. The announcement comes as excitement builds towards the highly anticipated event, which will celebrate beauty, leadership and the achievements of this year’s finalists.
The grand finale is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 14 November 2026, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, north of Johannesburg. The evening will also mark the end of Qhawekazi Mazaleni’s reign as Miss South Africa 2025, as she prepares to hand over her crown to her successor.
Madonsela will be joined by four other judges, including Miss SA 2023 Natasha Vermaak (née Joubert), medical doctor and television personality Dr Musa Mthombeni, and African Women Chartered Accountants president Pumla Molope.
With the judging panel announced, attention will turn to the finalists as they prepare for the opportunity to wear one of South Africa’s most recognised crowns.
The event will also feature familiar faces from the entertainment industry. Actor and television presenter Lawrence Maleka has been announced as one of the hosts of the Miss South Africa 2026 finale. He will co-host the prestigious event alongside former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss as the country prepares to crown its new queen.
Meanwhile, television presenter Kuhle Adams is set to co-host the official red carpet alongside entertainment personality Kat Sinivasan, giving audiences a glimpse of the personalities and fashion moments surrounding the pageant.
Those interested in attending the grand finale have several ticket options to consider, depending on their preferred seating and hospitality experience.
The VVIP hospitality package costs R2 000 and includes front-stage seating, one free parking space, welcome canapés and two complimentary glasses of wine. However, seats for this package are limited.
VIP tickets are priced at R1 600 and offer front-stage side seating, arrival canapés and one complimentary glass of wine.
Guests looking for more affordable options can choose Gold tickets for R600, which provide mid-section seating, the second-closest seating section to the stage. Silver tickets are available for R450 and offer general seating.
Tickets for the Miss South Africa 2026 grand finale can be purchased through Ticketpro.
With the judges and hosts announced, preparations are continuing for the November event. All eyes will be on the finalists as they compete for the crown and the opportunity to succeed Qhawekazi Mazaleni as Miss South Africa 2026.
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