It was a night of crowns, gowns, and celebrations at the Indaba Hotel on August 8, but for the women who walked away with titles at the Ms Supreme Queen International pageant, the evening was about far more than a sash and a crown.

Their personal journeys, from weight-loss struggles and abusive relationships to unemployment and mental health battles, shaped the causes they now hope to champion during their reigns.

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Dr Suhina Hiralal, who was crowned Ms Supreme Queen International, admitted she was still processing the result. “It was not expected. It’s not the crown I entered for, but clearly it was the crown that God wanted me to have.” She credited her trainers, family, and supporters for helping her reach the international title.
For Boniswa Buthelezi, who was crowned Ms Supreme Queen 1st princess, the achievement was the result of years of advocacy and community work. She said her priority would be young graduates struggling to find employment, encouraging them to use their skills to create businesses and become financially independent. “There’s nothing that can strip your dignity like not being able to provide for yourself. So, independence is key because it gives you options.”

Showayta Rambhajan, crowned Ms Supreme Queen India 2026, is also turning a difficult chapter of her life into an advocacy platform. The 25-year-old lost more than 40kg after experiencing depression and an abusive relationship. She said the journey helped her rebuild her confidence and inspired her to enter the pageant for the first time.

Having previously worked with children with autism, Rambhajan plans to use her title to advocate for autism awareness, mental health, and body positivity.

19-year-old Khanyiso Chauke, a media studies student, was crowned Ms Supreme Queen World 2026 after entering her first-ever pageant. Competing against women with extensive professional and pageantry experience, Chauke said the achievement was unexpected. Her focus for the year will be mental health, particularly among young people. “I want people to remember that it’s okay to not be okay. There are places you can find help and you don’t need to be alone.”

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Lerato Maithufi, crowned Ms Supreme Queen Global 2026, said the title was a reward for months of hard work and uncertainty. She was drawn to the pageant because of its emphasis on empowerment.

55-year-old Filomaine Kruger, Ms Supreme Queen Global 2026 2nd princess, is proof that reinvention can happen at any age. After being retrenched following 12 years in the security industry, Kruger launched Filomaine’s Fashion House. She said the pageant gave her an opportunity to share her experience of mental abuse, and encourage other women to reclaim their voices. “I also say that no calendar will retire your dreams, no matter how old you are.”

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