Excitement builds as Mrs South Africa 2026 announces semi-finalists

The prestigious Mrs South Africa competition, has officially kicked off its journey towards the 2026 crown by announcing its semi-finalists after a series of electrifying live casting events held across the country. This year marks an exceptionally competitive entry season, with hundreds of women showcasing their aspirations and talents.

As of Monday, 26 January, the hopefuls had submitted their entries, reflecting a remarkable response that underscores the continuing strength and increasing visibility of the Mrs South Africa brand. Joani Jacobs, CEO of Mrs South Africa, emphasised that the programme is about more than just winning a crown; it is a transformative experience.

“We always tell our participants that there is only one crown, but everybody can walk away a winner,” Jacobs stated. “Ultimately, Mrs South Africa is not about chasing a title. It’s about personal growth, transformation, and stepping into the best version of yourself.” The ambition for all participants is clear: “Your time is now,” is a powerful message resonating through this year's proceedings.

The live casting events began with a vibrant showcase at Hotel Sky in Cape Town on January 29, followed by an invigorating national casting event at Clearwater Mall in Johannesburg on January 31. Here, contestants faced live interviews and were announced in front of an enthusiastic audience, earning their sashes on stage. The journey continues with an anticipated event scheduled in Durban on February 6, alongside additional regional castings to follow later in February. 

Judging the contestants were industry leaders from various sectors, including business and healthcare. The panel included notable figures such as Nivi Grogor, founder and CEO of video-technology platform iME, and Dr Mpho Phalatse, among others. This year's casting events were conducted under the watchful eye of independent auditors from PKF Octagon, ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the selection process.

With the unveiling of semi-finalists, the focus now shifts to the National Semi-Finalist Conference taking place on February 1 and 2, at Hotel Sky in Sandton. This two-day event is set to empower contestants through workshops covering vital concepts like personal branding, networking, and content creation, alongside motivational talks and exclusive professional photoshoots, including complimentary headshots.

The momentum gained in this year's season comes on the heels of significant achievements in 2025, notably with Tshego Gaelae making history as the first Black South African woman to be crowned Mrs World, and Marelize Steyn Earle taking home the title of Mrs Classique Globe. These milestones signify the growing evolution of the Mrs South Africa programme and its profound impact on women across the nation.

The following women have been announced as the semi-finalists for Mrs South Africa 2026:

Aleche Landman, Alecia Maifadi, Andrea Raaths-Duarté, Angelique Janse van Rensburg, Angie Calo, Aobakwe Sebokoane, Brigitte van Rooyen, Carina Smith, Carla Mothiba, Carmen Rodrigues, Carolize Delport, Chanelle Badenhorst, Chantelle Van Zyl, Charissa Carolus, Charne Bell, Dineo Ntsoane, Eliza Askon, Elizabeth Florence Mabee, Esther Thomo, Fendi Mokadi, Florika Viljoen, Fredine Swigelaar, Gavaza Mongwe, Heleen Fourie, Janine van Wyk, Jennifer Montgomery, Jennifer Warren, Jessie Jama, Jocelyn Harding Skerritt, Kay Knight, Kefentse Valisi, Kgomotso Buthelezi, Khanyisa Phika, Kholofelo Mdluli, Kim Naidoo, Lauren Jack, Lauren-Marie Mkungela, Lerato Sadike, Linda Shongwe, Lisinda Grobbelaar, Lucinda Swart, Maana Sehume, Maiketso Nyamane, Margarethe Feuth, Mariette Vorster, Mbali Vilakazi, Mebelo Medupe, Megan Jonker, Meghan Cyster, Moitoi Magoro, Nadia Pereira, Naledi Ginindza, Naledi Mahwibila, Naomi Nel, Ndina Famadi, Nompiliso Peter-Chauke, Nomsa Makaringe, Nonkqubela Mkizwana, Nontobeko Hlope, Nosisa Zincume, Nozuko Jama, Ntsaky Maluleke, Ntwanano Molefakgotla, Nwabisa Mbambo, Otlotleng B. Mthimkhulu, Pertunia Nkomo, Phendukani Dlamini, Phindile Ngwezi, Reitumetse Moeng, Rene Thurston, Shomaveni Govender, Tebogo Kgari, Teboho Mthimkhulu, Thandiwe Melato, Thato Allen, Tintswalo Ngobeni, Tracey Elliott, Trudie Oosthuizen, Tshifhiwa Shikwambana, Tsholofelo Patience Letsoalo, Vallery Pieterse and Zandile Maile.

As this inspiring journey progresses, the current titleholder Erin Jane Miller continues her reign, paving the way for a new chapter for the Mrs South Africa programme. The upcoming year promises to be one filled with empowerment, connection, and personal growth as these semi-finalists set out to redefine their narratives and forge their individual legacies within the framework of Mrs South Africa.