HHomba Mazaleni has been named the winner of the 2026 Top Billing Presenter Search. She was announced as the winner on Thursday, October 29, at Le Manoir Boutique Hotel in Northcliff, Johannesburg.

The competition was sponsored by Lucky Fish and  attracted more than 3,000 audition entries from young presenters across the country. After several rounds of challenges, Mazaleni progressed through the Top 10 before securing a place among the final five. She competed against Talitha Bothma, Karen Mthethwa, Nehemiah Tjatji and Ross Marshall.

According to the organisers, the campaign reached over 56 million people during its first three months and generated over 5.4 million social media interactions.

Photo: Getty Images

Speaking after her win, she explained that she posted the video at 8pm on a Sunday and went to bed. By the time she woke up the following morning, her phone was filled with notifications. 

The 27-year-old has a background in sports science, She studied Human Movement Science at Nelson Mandela University. 

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Mazaleni  was among the last 5 at Miss South Africa 2023. Her younger sister, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, won the Miss South Africa 2025.

Her final Top Billing challenge involved exploring the motorsport industry. She has interviewed racing driver Chloe Stuart. 

Reacting to her appointment, Mazaleni described the opportunity as a childhood dream.

“Top Billing is such an iconic part of South African television. It was one of those shows that made you feel like you could experience the world through your screen,” 

Patience Stevens, managing director of production company Cardova Productions, praised her efforts.

Photo: Getty Images

“Her journey reflects exactly what Top Billing is about: real South African stories and the people behind them,” 

Sane Zondi, head of channel at S3, also welcomed her appointment, praising her mix of skills.

“Homba’s distinct blend of biokinetics, sports expertise and passion for storytelling makes her a valuable addition to the Top Billing presenter ensemble. Leveraging her voice and talents, together with our partners, Lucky Fish, we look forward to bringing Top Billing fans bespoke features and exclusive stories over the coming months.”

Her appointment comes during the return of Top Billing after nearly seven years off television. The programme covers travel, fashion, entertainment and  luxury properties. 

Top Billing airs on Thursdays at 7pm on S3, with repeats on Sundays at 1pm and Tuesdays at 9:30pm on SABC1. Episodes are also available on SABC+.

Olivia Dean will headline the third edition of Milk + Cookies Festival South Africa in January 2027. The announcement confirms her first appearance at the festival. 

Dean will perform at Sandringham Farm in Cape Town on January 29, 2027, then head to Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on January 31. She will be joined by Elaine, Zee Nxumalo, Chelsea Sloan and Jade T. Organisers have confirmed that additional performers and details of the festival will follow in the coming weeks.

There have been rumours among fans about who will headline the festival. Promotional material featuring a pink colour scheme prompted some social media users to connect the campaign to Dean.

Photo: Instagram/@OliviaDeano

Dean arrives in the country following a successful period in her career. Her second studio album, The Art of Loving, was released in September 2025 and topped the UK Albums Chart. The project includes, single Man I Need which topped the UK singles chart in October 2025. 

Dean won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2026 and collected four BRIT Awards. During her Grammy acceptance speech, she praised her grandmother Carmen, who moved from Guyana to London at the age of 18. 

“I’m a product of bravery,” Dean said . 

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Milk + Cookies Festival first edition took place in 2025, with Canadian electronic music producer Kaytranada as the headline act. American rapper Gunna headlined the 2026 edition. 

The festival’s first edition reportedly attracted approximately 20,000 people, while its audience has continued to grow across the two cities.

Photo: Instagram/@Poppulsesa

Chase Freeman, head of marketing at Milk + Cookies, explained the thinking behind the festival’s varied bookings.

“Never the same sound, always the same feeling. That’s the only brief we’ve ever had. We book for the people in the room, not for a genre, and they come for what the room feels like as much as the name on the poster.”

If you are planning to attend, pre-registration opened on October 23. The ticket pre-sale is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at 10am, followed by general sales on Friday, October 30, through Howler. The festival is open to people aged 18 and above. 

Shannon Benting will represent South Africa at the Miss Supranational 2026 pageant after winning the South Africa edition. She will compete with 69 women from different countries. The event will take place on 31 July in Nowy Sącz, Poland. Where she will aim to succeed reigning Miss Supranational Eduarda Braum.

Benting earned the opportunity to represent South Africa after winning the Miss Supranational South Africa title through the Miss African Beauty South Africa competition.

Photo: Instagram

The Gauteng-based model and content creator has built a career in modelling and digital media while also leading community initiatives..

Her project Beauty in Action supports youth and women in different skills. Benting knows the importance of creating opportunities for young women and  supporting positive change.

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Benting said representing her country at Miss Supranational is an honour.

“Representing South Africa at Miss Supranational 2026 is a moment I will carry with me for the rest of my life” She said.

“I have worked hard, dreamed big and stayed grounded in my purpose, and this feels like confirmation that showing up with authenticity and intention truly matters.”

Photo: Instagram

South Africa has already tasted victory at Miss Supranational, with Lalela Mswane’s 2022 win becoming one of the country’s most memorable pageant achievements. Some segments that contestants will pass through include attitude, elegance evaluation, confidence and job interview. This pageant is part of the annual Festival of Beauty events.

As the July finale approaches, attention will turn to Benting’s preparation and performance on the international stage. Her participation adds another chapter to South Africa’s involvement in one of the world’s major pageant competitions.