The glamour, heartbreak and triumph of pageantry took centre stage as Free State medical doctor Palesa Van Rooyen secured her place in the coveted Miss South Africa 2026 Top 19.
The Top 19 cohort was unveiled on the Miss South Africa YouTube channel by international television personality Minnie Dlamini, who dazzled in a classic black beaded gown by pageant sponsor Nala Privé.
While Van Rooyen celebrated her breakthrough, the latest cut brought disappointment for several hopefuls, including Top 24 finalist Gift Ntimini.
“Thank you so much, I would like to thank everyone who has supported me through my journey of Miss South Africa 2026. Unfortunately, I did not make it to Top 19, but I’ll forever be proud and grateful for making it to the Top 24,” Ntimini said in a farewell message to her supporters.
The difficult selection was overseen by an elite judging panel comprising businesswoman Dr Aisha Pandor, former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida and Colleen Larsen, with global auditing firm PwC independently auditing the process.
The remaining 19 contestants now turn their attention to developing social impact initiatives under the Empower Youth Africa (EYA) framework.
Van Rooyen is quickly emerging as a strong contender, combining her pageant ambitions with her medical profession and passion for community development. Splitting her time between Hobhouse, Ladybrand and Bethlehem, she is focusing on child safety and malnutrition, drawing on her medical expertise to address challenges facing vulnerable communities.
Her approach has impressed the judges.
“Our communities are richer for having an empathetic, caring doctor like you. You will ensure major impact through the work you do,” Larsen said.
Musida added: “Palesa is very thoughtful in her approach to her EYA. There is a genuine care in her ‘why’.”
Van Rooyen’s advocacy also extends to Bloemfontein, where her Beauty with a Purpose project focuses on paediatric healthcare gaps in underserved communities.
Her initiative recently reached an important milestone when her first group of “Nutrition Champions” completed their initial assessment.
“These young people have committed themselves to attending teaching sessions, studying, asking questions and applying themselves—all because they want to see THEIR community uplifted,” Van Rooyen said.
“I have been deeply moved by their commitment, their excitement and their eagerness to get into the field and start serving their community.”
With the competition now entering Bootcamp Week, the pressure is intensifying. Van Rooyen said she intends to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.
“I hope to achieve with my time here to remain wide open to the process, to learn as much as I can and to take all the good gems away,” she said.
Bootcamp training has already included public speaking sessions with conversation strategist Nozipho Tshabalala, followed by media training with reporter Heidi Giokos. An upcoming workshop will be led by Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe.
With her medical expertise, community-focused advocacy and growing pageant momentum, Van Rooyen now has her sights firmly set on going all the way.
