The Miss Eldorado Park beauty pageant crowned its 2026 winners during a ceremony at Don Mateman Hall on September 5.

Gema Goss was crowned Miss Eldorado Park Queen, with Nickilah Gentle named first princess and Sisipho Mjikwa taking the title of second princess.

The Miss Teen Eldorado Park Queen title was awarded to Tazmin Palmer, while Tatiana Jantjies was crowned first princess and Kenlynn Mannus second princess.

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Speaking after her crowning, Goss said she never imagined she would win the title when she entered the competition.

“I did not expect to come this far.”

“I entered the pageant knowing that a lot of people were looking up to me, but I couldn’t even walk in heels,” she said.

She described the community outreach activities as one of the highlights of her journey, particularly the noodle drive, which saw contestants giving back to local families.

“It was amazing to see young people doing so much good in the community,” said Goss. “It showed women empowering one another and coming together to help others.”

Goss said she plans to use her title to create more opportunities for young people in Eldorado Park.

“Our community has many young people with potential, but they are not always given opportunities.”

“I want to use this platform to inspire others, open doors and bring opportunities back home.”

She added that supporting vulnerable children would also be one of her priorities after witnessing the challenges many face through her work at a local school.

“I want to support our safe homes so that children receive better care, know they are loved and realise they have a purpose in life.”

The 22-year-old, who is from Eldorado Park Proper, also encouraged young people not to allow negative stereotypes about the area to define their future:

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“Where you come from does not define who you are. Take opportunities, take risks and believe in yourself.”

Newly crowned Miss Teen Eldorado Park Queen Tazmin Palmer said winning the title was especially rewarding after previous disappointments in the competition.

The 13-year-old entered the pageant for the third time after failing to place in the previous year’s competition.

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“I am very happy because this is not my first time entering Miss Eldorado Park. I didn’t place last year, but I came back bigger and stronger,” she said.

Palmer said her biggest lesson was perseverance.

“Never give up. Even if you fall, stand up again and try once more.”

She said wearing the crown comes with responsibility and she hopes to continue serving the community throughout her reign.

“I want to give back to the community and do even more than I did this year.”

Palmer also plans to continue competing in pageants as she works towards achieving even greater success.