Miss South Africa The organization has announced its prestigious Semifinalist Judging Panel, comprised of three accomplished leaders with diverse backgrounds. Her career spans global policy, entrepreneurship, technology, health innovation, gender equality and social change.
The Miss South Africa Organization recognizes its ongoing commitment to empowering women across the country. Miss South Africa embodies both beauty and leadership with a focus on impact and social change. As it transforms into a leadership pipeline that impacts at scale, focused on purpose, impact and nation-building, the composition of the semi-finalist judging panel reflects the values that define the new era of the Miss South Africa organisation.
The judges play a key role in evaluating this year's semi-finalists and selecting the top 19 finalists who will advance to the next stage of the Miss South Africa 2026 pageant. Based on their collective expertise, they identify young women who demonstrate the leadership potential, vision and commitment needed to drive meaningful change in South Africa and the entire African continent. The panel symbolizes the bold leadership that marks the new era of Miss South Africa. Miss South Africa finalists are judged on more than just beauty, public speaking and presentation. Importantly, the competition evaluates leadership potential, strategic thinking, social impact, authenticity, resilience and the ability to inspire and mobilize communities. This year's judging panel boasts expertise in international diplomacy, entrepreneurship, business leadership, technology, healthcare, innovation and change.
Dr Ayesha R Pandor
An entrepreneur, investor and technology innovator, he has become one of Africa's leading tech entrepreneurs. As co-founder and CEO of Pandora Health, an AI-powered health platform, she focuses on improving well-being and longevity through personalized health care solutions. Dr Pandor, who holds a PhD in Human Genetics from the University of Cape Town, seamlessly blends scientific expertise with entrepreneurial leadership. Their innovative contributions and technological advancements have earned them recognition from prestigious organizations such as the World Economic Forum and Forbes Africa. Her track record of building technology-driven businesses that create tangible social and economic impact aligns perfectly with the entrepreneurial leadership of the Miss South Africa Organisation, which Miss South Africa aims to nurture through a New Era.
Colleen Larson
The Founder and CEO of Business Engage is a recognized advocate for inclusive leadership, workplace mainstreaming and gender equality. For more than two decades, she has collaborated with corporate leaders, policy makers and international organizations to promote diversity, inclusion and women's leadership across Africa. Larsen has partnered with over 115 organizations and has collaborated with renowned entities such as UN Women, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). As a respected strategist, author and thought leader, she has been instrumental in establishing gender mainstreaming as a business imperative that strengthens organizations, drives innovation and drives sustainable growth. His extensive experience in governance, inclusive leadership and organizational change has provided invaluable insight in identifying finalists with the potential to become impactful leaders capable of driving meaningful social change.
shudufahadzo musida
Miss South Africa 2020, is a global strategist, mental health advocate and respected global voice. She works at the intersection of policy, business and social impact, currently serving as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Global Champion for Women and Girls. This role includes engaging with heads of state, foreign ministers and global institutions from more than 20 countries to advocate for the advancement of women and girls. Musida has degrees in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, International Relations, and a STEM-designated Master of Public Administration in International Finance and Economic Policy from Columbia University. She uses her consulting firm, Masana Group, and her work with international organizations and corporate boards to shape the conversation around leadership, economic inclusion and sustainable development. Her diverse experience in diplomacy, public policy and global advocacy brings a unique perspective to the Miss South Africa 2026 semi-final judging process.