Lesego Nyathela (30) from Pollak Park in Springs is one step closer to achieving her dream after being announced as one of the Top 24 finalists in the 2026 Miss South Africa pageant.

The finalists were announced on June 19 on the pageantry’s social media platforms. She told the Springs Advertiser that when she received the news, it felt like an absolute whirlwind of gratitude and validation.

She said that years of hard work, personal growth, and dedication to her community flashed before her eyes.

Following the announcement, the finalist expressed that the response has been incredibly overwhelming and beautiful.

“My phone has not stopped buzzing with messages of love from friends, family, and the people of Springs.

“Seeing the community rally behind me and claim this victory as their own fills me with immense pride,” said the 30-year-old.

When asked why she joined this year, Nyathela shared that she is at a point in her life when her purpose, professional experience, and vision for change have aligned perfectly.

“Having established my own foundation, Lesego Nyathela Foundation, and navigated both the academic and corporate worlds, I know I possess the maturity and the execution strategy required to lead on a national scale right now,” said the model.

The finalist expressed that being selected as a Top 24 contestant is a profound honour. To her, it is proof that when one leads with authentic intention, doors will open.

“It is a powerful platform that transitions my local advocacy into a national conversation, allowing me to champion the causes closest to my heart on a much grander scale,” said Nyathela.

Nyathela hopes to carry the spirit of Ekurhuleni onto the stage by showcasing the residents’ grit, rich cultural diversity, and untapped potential.

She wants to represent Springs not just as a hometown but as a beacon of what happens when a community pours love and support into a young woman and makes every resident proud.

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Each contestant in the competition has a cause, and Nyathela’s cause is equitable healthcare access, illness education, and organ donation awareness.

She explained that through her foundation’s work, she has seen how a lack of health literacy affects vulnerable communities.

She believes that health is the fundamental foundation of human dignity, and raising awareness can quite literally save lives. Nyathela said that her family has been her absolute anchor.

“My parents and my three brothers have cheered for me at every single milestone, keeping me grounded and motivated.

“Alongside them, my broader community has provided a steady stream of love and belief that fuels my drive every day,” said the model.

With all the support, she shared that she has faced some challenges, one of them being finding the perfect equilibrium between managing her professional ventures, running a foundation, and dedicating herself fully to the rigorous demands of this competition.

The finalist explained she overcame this by refining her discipline, mastering time management, and leaning into her purpose whenever exhaustion crept in.

“My preparation is holistic. I am focusing on physical wellness through Pilates and specialised nutrition to maintain high energy levels.

“Simultaneously, I am staying sharp by keeping up with current affairs and ensuring that my mental and emotional stamina are locked in,” said Nyathela.

For Nyathela, winning the crown would be the realisation of a lifelong dream and the ultimate validation of her life’s work.

She highlighted that for Springs, it would be a historic celebration, proving that the town produces national leaders and bringing a massive sense of hope, pride, and spotlight to the community.
Nyathela thanked her supporters from Springs and across the country.

“Your prayers, your votes, and your kind words are the wind beneath my wings. I am not walking onto that stage alone; I am carrying every single one of you with me. This journey belongs to all of us.”

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