KaNyamazane township celebrated local talent when two residents secured major national titles at the African Beauty International Organisation finale on July 18.

Bajabulise Thela (23) and Romanda Hombir (27) were awarded major titles and will represent South Africa on international stages.The titleholders spoke to Mpumalanga News a few days after their crowning.

Bajabulise Thela targets Miss Universe stage

Thela nabbed the two-in-one crown of 2026 Miss African Beauty Universe South Africa. With this title, she will represent the country in Puerto Rico in November in Miss Universe as Miss Universe South Africa.

The model is a qualified flight attendant and the founder of the Mambane Foundation. She is also the former Miss Teen Grand 2021, Miss Teen Universe 2023 and Miss Mpumalanga 2024.

She started modelling when she was in Grade Five.She said she has taken time off her commitments for the rest of the year to dedicate herself to her responsibilities as Miss African Beauty Universe 2026 and to the work of the Mambane Foundation.

“The foundation is not just an organisation I founded; it is a calling that I live every day. Serving communities, fighting hunger, raising awareness about malnutrition and inspiring young people are causes that I am deeply passionate about. These values are also perfectly aligned with the purpose of Miss African Beauty Universe,” she said.

Thela said she entered this pageant with a clear vision to use the platform to amplify the work she has already done in her community of KaNyamazane. “For me, wearing the crown is about far more than beauty; it is about service, leadership, and creating meaningful change.”

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Preparing to represent Mzanzi, she said she is ready to carry the South African flag to Puerto Rico and looks forward to sharing not only the country’s beauty and culture, but also her story that proves dreams do come true by being faithful to her purpose.

“Every title I have held has played an important role in shaping the woman I am today. My journey has taught me that success does not happen overnight. It requires patience, resilience, consistency and an unwavering belief in your dreams, even when the journey is not easy. Each experience has challenged me in different ways, helping me grow in confidence, leadership, public speaking and the ability to work well under pressure.”

Thela penned a message of thanks on her Instagram, stating that she carries Mpumalanga with her every step of the way and encouraging young people to chase their dreams. She also thanked everyone who voted for her, attributing her success to their unwavering love and support.

She said she now stands tall as living proof that setbacks are not the end of her story.

Last year, she entered another renowned pageant, Miss SA, but she did not advance to the official contestant stage.

Romanda Hombir prepares for Miss World in Vietnam

Hombir is Miss World South Africa 2026 and is expected to jet off to Vietnam on August 8 for the 75th anniversary edition of the Miss World festival from August 9 to September 5.

She is an audiologist, motivational speaker and founder of the Caring Purpose Foundation.

She said as Miss World South Africa, she hopes to use her platforms to amplify voices that often go unheard, inspire young people to discover purpose beyond circumstance, and demonstrate that true beauty is measured by the lives she uplifts.

She was the second runner-up at Miss World South Africa 2024, which she believes was not a setback. “Winning Miss World South Africa 2026 is incredibly humbling because it represents the culmination of years of perseverance, growth, and unwavering faith. Standing as second runner-up in 2024 was a season of preparation. It challenged me to deepen my purpose, strengthen my leadership and return with greater clarity about the woman I wanted to become.”

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Before jetting off to Vietnam, her focus is to expand the impact of the Caring Purpose Foundation through initiatives that address both immediate needs and long-term empowerment. “We will continue our work in health accessibility through mobile health screenings, nutrition initiatives and support for vulnerable communities while strengthening educational programmes that promote resources as a pathway to dignity, sustainability, and economic opportunity,” she said.

A day after the crowning, Hombir posted an appreciative message thanking every sponsor, partner and supporter who made her journey possible. She said she chooses to show up with intention, to serve with compassion, to lead with purpose, and to leave every space better than she found it.