Jo-Ann Strauss to Host Miss South Africa 2026 Finale

Former Miss South Africa and media personality Jo-Ann Strauss is returning to the pageant stage, this time as the host of the Miss South Africa 2026 finale. The highly anticipated event will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 November.

Strauss, who won the prestigious Miss South Africa title in 2001, has built an impressive career spanning television, media, entrepreneurship and international hosting. Her return to the pageant brings her journey with the competition full circle, more than two decades after she first wore the crown.

In 2001, Strauss represented South Africa at both the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico and the Miss World pageant, which was hosted at Sun City in her home country. She was only 19 years old at the time, marking the beginning of a journey that would see her establish herself as a familiar face in the media industry.

Meanwhile, television presenter Kuhle Adams will take centre stage alongside entertainment personality Kat Sinivasan as they co-host the official red carpet. The red carpet will open at 16:00 and will be broadcast live on S3, allowing viewers to catch the fashion, glamour and personalities arriving for the prestigious occasion.

Guests attending the main event can expect the doors to the finale arena to open at 19:00. Admission will be restricted to guests aged 18 and over.

The evening will also feature musical performances from the Ndlovu Youth Choir and JAZZWRLD, formerly known as Jazzworx, featuring Thukuthela. Their performances will add to the entertainment as the country prepares to discover the next woman to hold the Miss South Africa crown.

This year’s production will unfold under the theme “From Imbokodo to Diamond”, celebrating South African women’s strength, resilience and leadership.

With Strauss returning as the main event host, Adams and Sinivasan taking charge of the red carpet, and a mystery co-host still to be announced, the Miss South Africa 2026 finale is shaping up to be an evening celebrating beauty, talent and the achievements of South African women.