The ‘lekker oke’, Troy Lanvethal, and Shelly Riley will use their reign as Mr and Miss Benoni 2026 to promote unity, kindness and support for those in need in the community.

The pair were crowned at a glitzy ceremony at ANEW Hotel and Conference Centre OR Tambo in Lakefield on September 26.

Siyabonga Mhlongo was crowned first prince, with Brady Naicker taking the second prince title, while Shaylin Nel and Alex Vinnicombe were crowned first and second princesses respectively.

Riley said she was thrilled to win the title and is determined to use her platform to make a difference in the community.

“I will look after the community by helping those in need. I will also keep encouraging everyone in Benoni to stay united,” she said.

She also praised her fellow contestants and said the experience had helped her grow in confidence.

“I’m feeling absolutely thrilled to have won this competition. All the ladies did well today. I’m very proud of every one of them. I’m happy that my boyfriend and I have won this together. It’s a massive achievement for both of us.”

Reflecting on her journey, Riley said the pageant taught her that beauty extends far beyond appearance.

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“I have learnt a lot about myself. I’ve learnt that this isn’t about looks, what you wear and what you put on your face. It’s all about what’s in your mind and what you portray every day,” she said.

For Lanvethal, who describes his only wish in life as being a ‘lekker oke’, the crown came as a surprise.

“I’m quite shaken. It’s not what I expected. Everyone was fantastic on the runway. Personally, I don’t have the right words to describe how I’m feeling,” he said.

Lanvethal said his experience in the competition reinforced the importance of selflessness, something he intends to carry with him long after his reign ends.

“We did quite a lot of community work. We helped orphanage centres and people in need.

“We did our best in trying to make a difference in our community. This is something I will carry on doing beyond the competition,” he said.

As Mr Benoni, Lanvethal said he hopes to spread kindness and encourage people to embrace who they are.

“I want everyone to be themselves, be ‘lekker’ and kind. I’ve never done anything like this before. I thought, let me give it a try, and here I am today,” he said.

Vinnicombe and Amogelang Mashinini were crowned the Mr and Miss Benoni City Times People’s Choice winners.

Keira Thompson was crowned Miss Debutante, while the bubbly Migael Visser took home the Best Personality title.

Debbie Morris of Rampage Modelling Agency said the pageant continues to challenge traditional perceptions of beauty and promote inclusivity.

“It’s like one of the models said, it’s not about size. It’s about you. You don’t have to be skinny to be beautiful,” she said.

Morris highlighted the journey of one contestant who competed despite recently battling an illness.

“One of the contestants had a limp. He had an illness recently. This has forced him back out into reality. He has realised he can still interact with youngsters his age. He’s been absolutely amazing during this competition. It’s what we are all about,” she said.

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