Miss African Beauty Universe Bajabulise Thela
The Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation hosts a homecoming celebration for Miss African Beauty Universe South Africa 2026, Bajabulise Thela, at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport on Thursday, July 30.
Thela, who hails from KaNyamazane, was crowned Miss African Beauty Universe South Africa 2026 during the national pageant held in Pretoria on July 18.
Her victory has not only brought pride to her hometown but has also placed Mpumalanga on the national and international pageantry stage.
“Thela achieved something remarkable and deserves to be celebrated and honoured for putting the province, and her hometown, KaNyamazane, on the map,” said MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation Leah Mabuza.
She added that Thela’s success reflects the talent, resilience, excellence and leadership found in Mpumalanga and will inspire many young girls to pursue their dreams.
Thela will go on to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe pageant, further elevating the province’s profile on the international stage.
With Women’s Month set to be commemorated in August, Mabuza said Thela’s achievement serves as a fitting precursor to celebrating the accomplishments of women across the country.
Members of the media have been invited to attend and cover the homecoming event, which will take place at 14:00 at the Lapa, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
