Miss South Africa 2026 Reveals Its Semifinal Judging Panel

The road to the Miss South Africa 2026 crown has reached another important stage with the announcement of the panel responsible for selecting this year’s Top 19 finalists. The organisation has appointed three women whose careers span technology, business leadership and global advocacy, highlighting its focus on finding candidates with leadership ability as well as a strong public profile.

The newly announced judging panel comprises Dr Aisha R. Pandor, Colleen Larsen and Shudufhadzo Musida. Each brings experience from a different field, adding varied perspectives to the judging process.

The judges have been tasked with assessing contestants on leadership, communication skills, resilience and community impact. The finalists selected at this stage will continue in the competition as they compete for one of South Africa’s most recognised national titles.

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Dr Pandor joins the judging panel with an established career in Africa’s technology and healthcare sectors. As co-founder and chief executive of Pandora Health, her work focuses on applying artificial intelligence in healthcare while combining scientific research with entrepreneurship. Holding a doctorate in Human Genetics, she has also been recognised by organisations including the World Economic Forum and Forbes Africa for her work in innovation. Her background aligns with the qualities the competition values.

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Larsen has more than two decades of experience in corporate transformation and gender equality. Through Business Engage, she has worked with businesses, policymakers and international organisations to promote inclusive leadership and expand opportunities for women in executive positions. Her collaborations with organisations such as UN Women, the International Finance Corporation and the International Labour Organisation have established her as an advocate for workplace transformation. Her experience will inform her assessment of contestants throughout the selection process.

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For Musida, the appointment marks another chapter in her relationship with Miss South Africa after winning the title in 2020. Since handing over the crown, she has expanded her work internationally through advocacy focused on mental health, women’s empowerment and public policy. She currently serves as the United Nations Population Fund’s Global Champion for Women and Girls, engaging with governments and international institutions on issues affecting women across multiple countries. Her return as a judge brings first-hand experience of holding the title while building a career beyond pageantry.

Photo – Instagram

The composition of this year’s panel also signals the competition’s priorities. In recent years, Miss South Africa has increasingly positioned itself as a platform for developing women who can contribute to business, public policy, education and social development, rather than simply preparing representatives for international pageants. Contestants are now expected to demonstrate community involvement, leadership experience and an understanding of issues affecting South African communities alongside confidence in public engagements.

The judges will now evaluate this year’s semifinalists before narrowing the field to the Top 19 contestants, who will move on to the next stage of the competition. Their decisions will determine a class of finalists that aligns with the competition’s judging criteria and the expectations of the Miss South Africa title.