South Africa has officially crowned its new representatives for two of the world’s biggest beauty pageants, with Romanda Hombir and Bajabulise Thela set to fly the country’s flag at the 75th editions of Miss World and Miss Universe later this year.
The prestigious coronation ceremony took place at the Barnyard Theatre in Menlyn, Pretoria, on July 18, coinciding with Nelson Mandela Day, adding deeper significance to the celebrations.
Romanda Hombir was named Miss World South Africa 2026 and will represent the country at the Miss World competition in Vietnam this August. Bajabulise Thela earned the Miss Universe South Africa 2026 crown and will compete for the global title in Puerto Rico this November.
For Hombir, the moment carried profound meaning beyond the title itself.
Speaking after her victory, she described being crowned on Nelson Mandela Day as a reminder that every individual has the power to create meaningful change.
She said her journey began with the story of a child whose experience inspired her lifelong commitment to dignity, education and compassion. That inspiration has since evolved into a broader mission focused on improving the lives of vulnerable children.
Hombir pledged to use her national platform to advocate for children living in poverty, emphasizing that a child’s circumstances should never determine their future. She said every child deserves to feel loved, valued and respected regardless of where they are born.
Originally from Mpumalanga, Hombir is an audiologist, academic and lifelong learner. She previously finished as second runner up in the Miss World South Africa 2024 competition before securing this year’s crown.
The evening also celebrated Bajabulise Thela from Kanyamazane in Mpumalanga, who was crowned Miss Universe South Africa 2026.
The 23 year old qualified flight attendant and model shared an emotional message reflecting on her journey after the announcement. Addressing her younger self, she expressed gratitude for never giving up on her dreams despite facing difficult moments and personal setbacks.
Thela described the victory as a milestone that represents purpose and impact rather than personal success alone. She encouraged young people to believe that determination and perseverance can overcome challenging beginnings.
She also reminded aspiring leaders that their backgrounds do not define their futures and that persistence eventually creates opportunities.
According to the African Beauty International Organisation, the official licence holder for Miss World South Africa, Miss Universe South Africa and Miss Supranational South Africa, Thela is deeply committed to community development.
The organisation highlighted her advocacy for food security and poverty reduction through the Mambane Foundation, which focuses on supporting underserved communities and amplifying the voices of people who are often overlooked.
The crowning of Hombir and Thela marks another chapter in South Africa’s strong legacy on the international beauty pageant stage. Beyond representing the country’s culture and talent, both women are expected to champion social causes that align with the growing emphasis on leadership, advocacy and community impact within global pageantry.
Their participation in Vietnam and Puerto Rico later this year will place South Africa once again among the leading contenders as the nation seeks further international success.
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