By Charmaine Ndlela
Tiyani Makamu, a 27-year-old communications professional and entrepreneur from Bronkhorstspruit in Gauteng, was crowned Miss South Africa 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday night.
Makamu beat 11 other finalists to claim the title, succeeding Qhawekazi Mazaleni, who was crowned Miss South Africa in 2025.
The 68th edition of the pageant saw Makamu walk away with a R1 million cash prize and a dedicated R500 000 impact fund to support initiatives aligned with her advocacy work.
A graduate of Pearson Institute of Higher Education, Makamu currently works as a Group Digital Lead and Client Success Executive.
She is also the founder of Hubsela, a platform dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and helping small businesses access opportunities and build sustainable businesses.
Her advocacy focuses on entrepreneurship, skills development, youth unemployment and expanding access to education and economic opportunities.
Through her work, Makamu aims to equip young entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources and support needed to establish successful businesses and create employment opportunities.
She has also served on the board of the Mfudumalo Foundation, contributing to initiatives supporting vulnerable families and the establishment of a community library in Ivory Park.
As Miss South Africa 2026, Makamu will have the opportunity to use her national platform to advance these causes, with a particular focus on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo, 27, from Gauteng, was named first princess, while Lesego Khumo Nyathela, also from Gauteng, was named second princess.
This year’s competition was held under the theme From Imbokodo to Diamond, with an emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship and community development.
All 12 finalists have been inducted as Empower Youth Africa ambassadors and will continue serving in these roles beyond the pageant.
The initiative aims to support projects focusing on education, entrepreneurship, youth leadership and community development.
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