Beauty may capture attention, but it is purpose that leaves a lasting impact and that is exactly what Maana Sehume brings to the Mrs South Africa stage.

The proud Dassierand, Potchefstroom resident has officially been named as part of the Class of 2026. A Powerful sisterhood of over 100 women, each ready to embark on a transformative journey of growth, leadership and impact. For Maana, however, this moment is about far more than a title.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be counted among the sisterhood of Mrs South Africa,” she shares with heartfelt gratitude.

Her journey began at the live casting event on January 31 at Clearwater Mall in Johannesburg, a defining moment that marked the start of a new and purposeful chapter.

But Mrs South Africa is far more than a pageant. Often described as the “MBA of Life,” it is an intensive development programme designed to equip women with confidence, leadership skills and a deeper sense of purpose. Through workshops, mentorship, media training and meaningful community involvement, participants are shaped into women who can truly inspire change across the country.

And this is where Maana’s story becomes deeply personal.

She is a woman of faith, a devoted wife of 23 years to Reverend Buti Sehume, and a loving mother of three. Professionally, she serves as an oncology nurse with a BTech degree in Oncology Nursing and Palliative Care at Klerksdorp Hospital. Working daily at the intersection of hope, healing and humanity.

But her calling was born from loss.

After losing her mother to cancer in 2018, Maana’s life took a profound turn. “My mother remains my role model,” she says. “Her passing deeply affected me and inspired me to study oncology so I could better understand and support patients.”

For Maana, care goes far beyond the clinical.

“Many healthcare professionals serve patients, I serve families,” she explains. “As a mother and an active community member, I understand healthcare from three perspectives, provider, caregiver and a woman navigating life’s pressures. I don’t just understand systems, I understand people.”

It is this depth of empathy that sets her apart.

Her journey into Mrs South Africa is also a tribute to honour her mother’s legacy and to inspire her daughter. “I want to show her that she can be anything she wants to be. At the same time, I am challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone.”

According to CEO Joani Jacobs, the programme continues to attract women ready for meaningful transformation. “Women often discover parts of themselves they never knew existed. It’s a journey that helps them become their true selves and pursue their goals with intention.”

As Maana continues this journey, she will balance her family, career and the demands of the programme, all while proudly representing her community on a national stage.

“I look forward to growth and transformation, to becoming the best version of myself. I want to be the voice of working mothers, the strength of faith-driven women, and an example that purpose and ambition can coexist.”

And perhaps that is what makes her story so powerful, not just where she is going, but the purpose that drives her forward.