The journey to the Miss Grand South Africa crown is about far more than glamour; it is a platform for advocacy, social change, and the promotion of peace. This year, Mihlali Mihle stands out as a formidable finalist for the 2026 title, bringing a unique blend of resilience, athletic discipline, and a heart for community healing to the stage.
​Founded in 2015, Miss Grand South Africa has grown into one of the country’s premier pageants. Under the leadership of National Director Lenie Pieterse, the organization focuses on empowering women to become “charity and cultural ambassadors.”
​The pageant serves as the official preliminary to Miss Grand International, which was established in Thailand with a core mission: “Stop the War and Violence.” Winners are tasked with promoting peace and humanitarianism, following in the footsteps of recent titleholders like Boitshepo Lamolao (2025) and Sharné Dheochand (2024).
​For Mihlali, entering Miss Grand South Africa is a “calling” rather than a mere competition. She identifies as a reflection of resilience, using her platform to advocate for healing through empowerment.
​”I work to uplift women and young girls who have faced abuse, violence, and adversity, reminding them that their past does not define their future.”
​Mihlali’s impact is action-driven. She aims to use her voice to amplify those who feel unseen, creating safe spaces and community initiatives that foster self-worth and confidence.
​Every leader has a foundation, and for Mihlali, that foundation is Melissa Nonelela Ndzube. As a speaker, author, and coach, Ndzube recognized Mihlali’s potential long before she stepped onto the pageant stage. Her guidance has taught Mihlali that “purpose must always lead, and impact must always matter.”
​Mihlali’s life is a testament to multifaceted talent. Beyond her work as a model, she is also a worker and a soccer referee. Her spontaneous nature was highlighted when she stepped up at the last minute to officiate a soccer match—a moment that reinforced her ability to lead under pressure and trust her instincts.
​If she were a superhero, Mihlali says her power would be the ability to detect and prevent abuse and violence, creating a world where safety and love are the norm.
​Quick Fire with Mihlali Mihle
| Category | Mihlali’s Response |
|---|---|
| Self-care Strategy | Protecting energy and making time to recharge to show up fully in every role. |
| Favorite Way to Relax | A mix of social drinks, movies, walking/running, or enjoying ice cream. |
| Dinner with a Hero | Nelson Mandela. She would ask: “How did you maintain hope and courage during the darkest moments?” |
| Karaoke Jam | Anything by Rihanna or Adele. |
| Ice Cream Flavor | Vanilla dipped in chocolate or an Oreo McFlurry. |
| Superpower | The ability to detect and prevent abuse/violence before harm is done. |
| Spontaneous Moment | Officiating a soccer match at the last minute. |
​Should she win the title, Mihlali intends to be a global ambassador for hope. She aims to showcase the authenticity of South African people—not just through beauty, but through the strength of their culture and creativity.
​For Mihlali, the 2026 journey is about proving that even the “quietest flames can grow into something unstoppable.”
