South African talent continues to make waves on the international stage as young girls from across the country shine at the prestigious International Junior Miss modelling competition. IJMSA marked the start of 2026 with a touch of elegance, glitz and glamour by sending eight South African contestants to compete at the International Junior Miss competition in Orlando Florida, USA where they achieved remarkable success.

Among the highlights:

• 7yr old Elihle Mthembu from Johannesburg South won the title International Junior Miss Princess
• 9yr Old Phagamiso Napo from Limpopo placed 4th runner up in the Jr Pre-Teen division
• 12yr old Ndalo Mabena from Mpumalanga placed 3rd runner up in the Pre-teen Division
• 12yr old Boitumelo Mathibela from the Free State, 15yr old Atlegang Ntike from Limpopo, 16yrs old Thato Letlatsa from Johannesburg west and 30yr old Refilwe Mangope from Johannesburg West Obtained Top 12 placing in their respective categories
• 23yr Old Reamogetse Mangope from Johannesburg west and 24yr old Lesedi Sekgaphane from Pretoria received numerous awards.
• All the contestants took home various awards. Their success at the event has not only brought pride to South Africa but also opened doors to international job opportunities, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rapidly growing development in the global presence in the pageantry, fashion and entertainment industries.

IJMSA broke new ground by hosting the 4th Annual National International Junior Miss South Africa aboard the luxurious MSC Cruise from 16–20 December 2024. This innovative event brought together 100 girls from various provinces within South Africa, who competed for prestigious titles while enjoying the unique experience of a cruise. Six talented winners were crowned. The MSC Cruise event was a memorable and unforgettable experience for all participants and their families, elegantly blending the excitement of a pageant with the adventure of a world-class cruise, marking a milestone moment in IJMSA’s journey.

Past Successes: Regional Events in North West, KZN, Gauteng and Western Cape

Over the years, IJMSA has built a solid reputation for hosting successful regional events in various provinces across South Africa promoting local travel and tourism amongst the hundreds of contestants and their families. In previous years, the pageant was held in North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Western Cape, each time attracting outstanding talent and showcasing the diversity and talent of South Africa’s young girls. These events have been a growth platform for many of the contestants who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally, further elevating the profile of South African youth on the global stage.

Entries are open for the 6th Annual International Junior Miss South Africa which will take place in Mpumalanga this year.

Looking ahead, entries are now open for the 6th Annual International Junior Miss South Africa competition, which will be hosted in the stunning Province of Mpumalanga this year.

After successful events in North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Western Cape.

IJMSA is excited to bring this prestigious event to Mpumalanga, providing even more young girls the opportunity to showcase their talents and achieve their dreams. This year’s line of activities promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with empowerment, confidence-building activities, mental health awareness, digital skills and a chance for girls aged 4yrs to 39yrs to shine and show off their skills” says Tidimalo Tlhabi the Founder of IJMSA. It’s a unique opportunity for South African youth to develop their skills, gain exposure in the pageantry world, and become a part of a supportive community of like-minded young women.