Mrs South Africa, powered by iME, has officially begun unveiling its 2026 semi-finalists following a series of high-energy live casting events across the country, kicking off one of the most competitive entry seasons in the programme’s history.

Entries for the 2026 season closed on Monday, 26 January, drawing hundreds of applications nationwide. According to organisers, the overwhelming response reflects both the strength of the Mrs South Africa brand, as well as the growing visibility and real-world impact of Mrs South Africa titleholders in recent years.

Joani Jacobs, CEO of Mrs South Africa, notes that at the heart of this year’s casting season was a clear reminder of what the programme truly stands for.

“We always tell our participants that there is only one crown, but everybody can walk away a winner. Ultimately, Mrs South Africa is not about chasing a title. It’s about personal growth, transformation, and stepping into the best version of yourself,” she says.

“Whether a woman places in the top ten or not, she leaves our programme as version 2.0 of herself. Our goal is to empower women to become more confident, more capable, and more connected to their purpose. That’s why one of our key messages this year is ‘Your time is now.’”

Live casting events were held at Hotel Sky in Cape Town on 29 January, followed by a national casting event at Clearwater Mall in Johannesburg on Saturday, 31 January. Contestant hopefuls participated in live interviews, with semi-finalists announced and sashed on stage at each event. The casting journey continues with a Durban event scheduled for 6 February, followed by additional regional castings to be announced during February.

Judges assessed entrants on stage presence, confidence and overall presentation, with a particular focus on readiness for the demanding year-long journey ahead. Mrs South Africa is often described as the “MBA of life” in reference to the programme’s intensity, discipline, and emphasis on leadership and self-awareness.

The judging panel reflected this breadth of expectation, bringing together leaders from business, healthcare, and the acclaimed Mrs South Africa sisterhood. Judges included Nivi Grogor, founder and CEO of video-technology platform iME, alongside Candice Abrahams, Annette Kasselman, and Dr Mpho Phalatse. The casting events were hosted by Jo Judnick-Wilson as master of ceremonies.

To ensure the integrity of the process, PKF Octagon was appointed as independent auditors, overseeing judging.

The announcement of the semi-finalists marks the official start of the 2026 journey, which kicks off with the National Semi-Finalist Conference taking place from 1 to 2 February at Hotel Sky in Sandton. The two-day programme is designed as an empowerment and upskilling weekend, introducing contestants to the structure, expectations, and ethos of Mrs South Africa, with practical tips and advice that will stand them in good stead throughout the coming months.

Workshops will cover personal branding, social media strategy, public relations, networking and content creation, alongside motivational talks, sponsor exhibitions and official photoshoots, including complimentary professional headshots. Semi-finalists will also meet the Mrs South Africa board and official mentor panel, and unpack the demands of the year ahead.

The momentum behind the 2026 season follows a landmark year for the organisation. In 2025, Tshego Gaelae made history as the first Black South African woman crowned Mrs World, while Marelize Steyn Earle was named Mrs Classique Globe.

Mrs South Africa 2026 is made possible by its incredible sponsors: iME, PR Worx, Chery Krugersdorp, Skin Renewal, Lamelle, Hirsch’s Home store, Brentoni Eyewear, BTL Aesthetics, Slimz, PKF Octagon, Hotel Sky, iStyle, Action Coach, Collagen Lift Paris, Catrice, Vitalefemme, Busamed, Health Food Emporium with Nutriseed, Alvi Armani, Brand SA, and Dotsure.

The list of Mrs South Africa 2026 semi-finalists is below:

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

Zandile Maile