eMalahleni’s Vanessa steps into the spotlight for Miss Luxe 2026
This local icon has made her way to the Miss Luxe 2026 Finalist, and her next step to the top lies in the hands of the city’s residents.
With elegance, determination, and a vision, Vanessa Pitsi is preparing to represent the City of Coal on one of South Africa’s most glamorous stages, the Miss Luxe 2026 pageant, set to take place in Johannesburg.
At just 26 years old, Pitsi has already carved out a remarkable path in the world of pageantry. Since her debut in Miss Eagle South Africa (2018), she has risen through the ranks, earning titles such as Miss TUT Emalahleni Campus 2020, Miss Face of Emalahleni First Princess, Photogenic, and Ambassador (2021), and later Miss Inspire South Africa (2022–2023) alongside Social Media Model Charity Queen.
Vanessa’s titles have showcased her grace and confidence and also highlighted her unwavering commitment to leadership.

As she shares her journey, Vanessa emphasised that she entered pageantry to overcome struggles with self-confidence and public speaking. What began as personal growth soon transformed into a mission to use her platform to advocate for education and entrepreneurship as tools to fight teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and unemployment in her community.
“Pageantry gave me my voice,” she reflected. “Now I want to use that voice to inspire young people to stay in school and believe in the power of education to change their lives.”
The Miss Luxe 2026 pageant will take place on February 28.
As she campaigns for Miss Luxe 2026, Vanessa is also selling tickets to the event, inviting her supporters to stand with her in this defining chapter.
READ MORE: Lindokuhle Nyembe crowned Miss SA Disability Ambassador
For her, the crown represents not just recognition, but it is a platform to amplify her advocacy and bring hope to communities across the country.
“I believe that young people should be kept in school so they can reach their full potential and allow education to transform their lives. My vision of education goes beyond academics; it also includes entrepreneurship as a tool for empowerment,” Vanessa said.
For Vanessa, it is the next step in a journey that began with self-discovery and has blossomed into a mission of empowerment.
Khethiwe’s pageantry journey continues
Read more here: https://t.co/uWeSax8MMq#WitbankNews #Witbank #Emalahleni— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) July 5, 2025
To vote for Vanessa, you can contact her directly at 060 811 8875.
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