The Gauteng beauty queen will represent South Africa at Miss Supranational 2026 while the search continues for the country’s Miss World and Miss Universe representatives
South Africa has officially selected its representative for one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants. Shannon Benting from Northcliff, Gauteng, has been named Miss Supranational South Africa 2026, earning the opportunity to represent the nation on the international stage in Poland next month.
The announcement was made by African Beauty International alongside the unveiling of the Miss African Beauty South Africa 2026 Top 20 finalists, from which South Africa’s future representatives for Miss World and Miss Universe will also be selected.
Shannon Benting to Represent South Africa at Miss Supranational 2026
The 30-year-old model and content creator will compete at the Miss Supranational 2026 finale on 31 July 2026 at the Strzelecki Park Amphitheatre in Poland.
Benting will follow in the footsteps of reigning titleholder Eduarda Braum, who will crown her successor during the international event.
Known for her advocacy work and commitment to empowering women, Benting uses her platform to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. Through her initiative, Beauty in Action, she helps connect underserved youth with mentorship programmes, skills development opportunities and community outreach initiatives.
Her multicultural heritage, which includes South African Coloured roots and Chinese ancestry, has played a significant role in shaping her values around diversity, inclusion and community upliftment.
A Purpose-Driven Pageant Queen
Speaking about her selection, Benting described the honour as a defining moment in her journey.
“Representing South Africa at Miss Supranational 2026 is a moment I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I have worked hard, dreamed big and stayed grounded in my purpose. I will be walking onto that stage not only for myself but for every young South African woman who has ever been told her circumstances define her future.”
Her vision is to inspire young girls across the country to believe that their backgrounds should never limit their ambitions.
Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala Backs South Africa’s New Representative
According to Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala, Shannon’s selection was about far more than beauty.
“Shannon stood out because of the clarity she has about who she is and how she intends to use her platform. She understands that pageantry is not simply about wearing a crown but about creating opportunities and making a meaningful impact.”
Montjane-Tshabalala, who previously held the titles of Miss South Africa 2010 and Miss World Africa 2011, believes Benting has the qualities needed to excel on the international stage.
Miss African Beauty South Africa 2026 Top 20 Revealed
Miss African Beauty South Africa continues to position itself as a platform that celebrates achievement, leadership and social impact. This year’s finalists represent a diverse range of professions, including law, civil engineering, cancer biology, audiology, drama therapy and digital marketing.
The remaining Top 20 finalists will now compete for the opportunity to represent South Africa at both Miss World 2026and Miss Universe 2026.
The finalists are:
- Annedernive Brown (Gauteng)
- Ashleigh Alves (Gauteng)
- Bajabulise Thela (Mpumalanga)
- Bongisisiwe Ndumela (Eastern Cape)
- Casey Esmeraldo (Gauteng)
- Charlotte Mogotlane (Limpopo)
- Dominique Manuell (Gauteng)
- Jesmika Singh (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Jessica Nel (Gauteng)
- Joey Roman (Western Cape)
- Joretha Mafane (Limpopo)
- Londotani Mudau (Limpopo)
- Musa Daweti (Eastern Cape)
- Ontshiametse Tlhopane (Gauteng)
- Romanda Hombir (Mpumalanga)
- Stacey-Lee April (Gauteng)
- Tiziana Devipursad (Gauteng)
- Tlotlego Molefe (North West)
- Whitney du Bruyn (Gauteng)
- Zamokuhle Vilakazi (Gauteng)
South Africa’s Road to the International Stage
With Shannon Benting officially confirmed as Miss Supranational South Africa 2026, attention now turns to the selection of the country’s Miss World and Miss Universe representatives.
As the countdown to Poland begins, South Africans will be watching closely to see whether Benting can bring home one of the world’s most coveted international pageant crowns.
