Radio host Sizwe Dhlomo posted a query on Friday, 24 July 2026, and many in Mzansi were eager to provide answers. Following clinical audiologist Romanda Hombir’s crowning as Miss World South Africa, Sizwe took to X asking, “What’s Miss World South Africa now?”
His post resonated with numerous South Africans who shared similar uncertainties about the pageant’s framework.
What is Miss World SA?
Hombir, who works as a clinical audiologist and is the founder of the Caring Purpose Foundation, received her crown on 24 July 2026. Upon being crowned, she conveyed her honor in representing South Africa on an international platform at the Miss World competition.
For many, including Sizwe, the confusion is quite logical. The Miss South Africa pageant, historically the country’s main beauty contest, no longer has the rights to send its winner to either Miss World or Miss Universe. Consequently, distinct organizations now oversee each of these international competitions locally.
Mzansi responded to Sizwe’s question with a flurry of explanations.
Here are some of the reactions:
@TheeAzanian provided a clear breakdown:
“It means she’ll be representing SA at Miss World. We also have Miss Universe SA. They are now separate pageants because the Miss South Africa organisation no longer holds the licence to send their winners there. Miss SA no longer competes in any international pageants anymore.”
@Pcrazy_xhirame expressed similar confusion as Sizwe:
“Same question. Next, we will see Miss Ocean South Africa.”
@morokasa added:
“Sounds odd, but she’s Miss South Africa, who will get to compete in the Miss World pageant. Since there are other categories like Miss Universe.”
