**Lawrence Maleka and Jo-Ann Strauss to Host Miss South Africa 2026 Finale**

South African television personality Lawrence Maleka and former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss have been announced as the hosts of the Miss South Africa 2026 finale, adding to the excitement surrounding this year's competition.

The announcement was made as organisers revealed details of the judging panel ahead of the event, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

According to IOL Entertainment, the pair will lead the main show as 12 finalists compete for the national title. Their appointment brings together Maleka's television presenting experience and Strauss's longstanding connection to the pageant.

##Meet the Miss South Africa 2026 Hosts

Maleka is an actor and television presenter known for his work in South African entertainment. His appointment places him at the centre of one of the country's prominent pageant events, where he will guide viewers through the evening's proceedings.

Strauss, who won the Miss South Africa title in 2001, is returning to the pageant in a different role. Since winning the crown, she has built a career in media, television presenting and entrepreneurship. Her return as a host adds a familiar face to the ceremony, connecting the pageant's history with its current generation of contestants.

Meanwhile, television personalities Kuhle Adams and Kat Sinivasan will host the official red carpet, welcoming guests and covering arrivals before the main event begins.

##Judging Panel Adds to the Anticipation

The hosting announcement is not the only development drawing attention to the 2026 finale. Organisers have also announced a judging panel featuring prominent figures from different professional backgrounds.

Among those named is Advocate Thuli Madonsela, the former Public Protector and a professor of law. She will be joined by Miss South Africa 2023 Natasha Vermaak, medical doctor and television personality Dr Musa Mthombeni, and Pumla Molope, president of African Women Chartered Accountants.

The panel brings experience from law, healthcare, finance and entertainment to the competition. Its members will help assess the finalists as they compete for the crown.

The combination of experienced hosts and judges has given pageant followers more details to discuss as the finale approaches.

##Date, Venue and What to Expect

The Miss South Africa 2026 finale will take place on November 14 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The venue marks a change from previous editions held at SunBet Arena in Pretoria.

The evening will follow the theme “From Imbokodo to Diamond,” celebrating the strength, resilience and leadership of South African women.

The entertainment line-up includes performances by the Ndlovu Youth Choir, amapiano star Young Stunna and the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra.

According to the organisers, the official red carpet opens at 4 p.m., while doors to the main finale arena open at 7 p.m. The event is restricted to guests aged 18 and above.

##Why Pageant Fans Are Watching This Year

This year's competition is attracting interest not only because of the personalities involved, but also because of the platform's emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship and public purpose.

The organisers' documentary series, The Mandate, follows contestants through a journey focused on leadership, personal growth and their potential to make an impact beyond the stage.

The finale will determine who succeeds reigning Miss South Africa Qhawekazi Mazaleni. With the hosts confirmed, the judging panel announced and the entertainment programme taking shape, anticipation is building ahead of the November ceremony.

For fans, the event offers more than a crowning moment. It brings together fashion, music, South African entertainment and a competition that increasingly highlights the ambitions and responsibilities associated with the title.

As the date approaches, attention will remain on the finalists and the eventual winner, as well as how the hosts guide audiences through one of the biggest nights on the country's pageant calendar.