GLM TEAM 
Mrs South Africa, powered by iME, has declared 2026 the year of the formidable woman, with entries for this year’s pageant season now open and applications from married women across the country already pouring in.
The past three queens embody that formidable spirit. Tshego Gaelae made history as the first Black woman to be crowned Mrs World, Erin-Jane Miller emerged as a powerful force for change in the lives of women and vulnerable children, and Verushka Singh, crowned in November last year, is not only the first Indian Mrs South Africa but a pioneer in climate sustainability.
Joani Jacobs, CEO of Mrs South Africa, notes that this incredible succession of winners has sparked unprecedented interest in the programme, with women across the country eager to step forward and continue this legacy of empowerment.
“Every year we’re delighted to see how interest in the pageant continues to grow, with more women discovering the value the programme and our famous sisterhood can bring to their lives – from confidence and personal growth to lifelong connections,” she says.
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“With so much excitement already building for the season ahead, we’re preparing a lineup of leadership workshops and webinars, mentoring sessions, public speaking opportunities, and charity initiatives to ensure every participant benefits from the experience, and can become the best version of themselves.”
Becoming uniquely you
Affectionately termed the MBA of Life, the Mrs South Africa journey is a ten-month commitment – specifically designed to develop confidence, leadership, and personal capability. Throughout the course of the programme, participants learn to present and market themselves, successfully manage projects and events, communicate with purpose, and handle media exposure.
Specialist partners, coaches, and alumni continuously support contestants, giving each woman practical guidance on building her personal brand, expanding her network, and unlocking new opportunities.
Jacobs adds that the lessons and skills participants gain, both on and off the stage, empower women to pursue their goals across their personal lives, communities, families, and careers. “Many contestants go on to achieve far greater things than they ever imagined, driving real change and confidently taking control of the world around them – always knowing that the full strength of the Mrs South Africa sisterhood is behind them.
“Bonds formed here often last for years, with women who might never have met otherwise lifting and motivating one other to keep striving higher. They share advice, encouragement, and ensure every contestant’s crown stays firmly in place, which I believe is a vital ingredient in the programme’s continued success.”
What you need to know about applications
Applications are now open on the Mrs South Africa website. The process is straightforward: candidates complete the form, upload their documents and photographs, and once eligibility is confirmed, they are invited to the casting events.
Eligible applicants will meet the judges early in the year, with the National Casting taking place at Clearwater Mall in Roodepoort on Saturday, 31 January, with smaller regional castings in Cape Town on Thursday, 29 January, and Durban on Friday, 30 January. Every woman will have the chance to take to the stage and introduce herself while judges look for presence, potential, and purpose.
Entries close at 17:00 on Monday, 26 January 2026. Full details, including the 2026 calendar, terms and conditions, and frequently asked questions, are available at mrssouthafrica.co.za.
Mrs South Africa 2026 is made possible by its incredible sponsors: iME, PR Worx, Chery Krugersdorp, Skin Renewal, Lamelle, Hirsch’s Home store, Brentoni Eyewear, BTL Aesthetics, Slimz, PKF Octagon, Hotel Sky, iStyle, Hair Academy of South Africa, Alberton, Pont de Val, Action Coach, Collagen Lift Paris, Catrice, Vitalefemme, Busamed, Health Food Emporium with Nutriseed, Alvi Armani, Brand SA, and Dotsure.
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