Lawrence Maleka and Jo-Ann Strauss to Host Miss South Africa 2026 Finale

South African actor and television presenter Lawrence Maleka will co-host the Miss South Africa 2026 finale alongside former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss, as organisers unveil the judging panel and entertainment line-up for the highly anticipated event.

The finale is scheduled for Saturday, 14 November, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, where contestants will compete for the prestigious national crown.

The announcement, made on Monday, also confirmed Advocate Thuli Madonsela as one of the five judges who will select the next Miss South Africa. The panel brings together professionals with experience across law, healthcare, finance and entertainment.

Thuli Madonsela joins judging panel

Madonsela will be joined by Miss South Africa 2023 Natasha Vermaak, medical doctor and television personality Dr Musa Mthombeni, and Pumla Molope, president of African Women Chartered Accountants.

The judges will assess the finalists as they compete for the title, with the selection process expected to consider qualities that extend beyond appearance, including leadership, personal development and public purpose.

Red carpet and musical performances

While Maleka and Strauss will host the main ceremony, television personalities Kuhle Adams and Katleho Sinivasan will take charge of the official red carpet.

The red carpet is scheduled to open at 4pm, giving guests and contestants an opportunity to arrive ahead of the main show. Doors to the finale arena will open at 7pm, and admission is restricted to people aged 18 and above.

The evening will feature performances by the Ndlovu Youth Choir, amapiano star Young Stunna and the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra. The programme will bring together music, fashion and cultural expression as the finalists prepare for the crowning moment.

‘From Imbokodo to Diamond’ theme

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

The concept draws inspiration from Imbokodo, a symbol of women’s strength and contribution to society, alongside the brilliance and significance of a diamond. Organisers intend to combine African heritage with contemporary fashion, music, stage design and storytelling.

The event also forms part of the wider Miss South Africa platform, which seeks to promote leadership and youth empowerment beyond the competition itself.

Spotlight on contestants and leadership

Ahead of the finale, Miss South Africa has introduced The Mandate, a seven-part documentary series following contestants through a journey focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth and public purpose.

The series offers viewers a closer look at the women behind the competition, highlighting their ambitions, experiences and commitment to creating meaningful change.

Through its Empower Youth Africa initiative, the organisation also aims to extend its impact beyond the crown by supporting young people and creating pathways to opportunity.

Tickets and event details

Tickets for the Miss South Africa 2026 finale are available through Ticketpro. Silver tickets cost R450, Gold tickets are priced at R600, VIP admission costs R1,600, while VVIP tickets are available for R2,000. <Cite refs={[“turn401868search4″,”turn401868search6”]}/>

With the hosts, judges and entertainment programme announced, anticipation is building ahead of the November ceremony. The event will culminate in the crowning of South Africa’s next titleholder, bringing together fashion, entertainment and the pageant’s broader message of leadership and service.