Newly crowned Miss South Africa 2026 Tiyani Makamu is using her platform to champion entrepreneurship and skills development, highlighting the role small businesses play in economic inclusion and job creation.
Makamu, 27, from Bronkhorstspruit in Gauteng, was crowned at the Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday, 14 November, after competing against 11 other finalists.
She is the founder of Hubsela, a platform dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and helping small businesses grow sustainably. She is also a graduate of the Pearson Institute of Higher Education and works as a Group Digital Lead and Client Success Executive.
Her advocacy focuses on entrepreneurship and skills development, youth unemployment, and access to education and knowledge.
Speaking ahead of the finale, Makamu said her interest in entrepreneurship was shaped by growing up in an entrepreneurial household, where her father runs a spaza shop.
“I believe that entrepreneurship is a gateway for economic inclusion, economic opportunity and participation,” she said.
She wants to help equip entrepreneurs with the tools, systems and support needed to build sustainable businesses, while helping young people become funding-ready and create opportunities in their communities.
Advancing entrepreneurship
Her advocacy falls under the Miss South Africa Organisation’s Empower Youth Africa (EYA) programme, which supports initiatives focused on youth employment, entrepreneurship, education, health and wellness, and civic engagement.
All 12 finalists have been inducted as EYA ambassadors and are expected to participate in initiatives addressing challenges facing young people.
Makamu will receive a R1 million cash award and a dedicated R500,000 Impact Fund to support initiatives aligned with her advocacy.
First princess Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo will receive R250,000 and a R150,000 Impact Fund, while second princess Lesego Khumo Nyathela will receive R150,000 and a R100,000 Impact Fund.
This year’s competition was held under the theme From Imbokodo to Diamond, celebrating women’s strength, resilience and leadership.
Makamu’s new national platform gives her an opportunity to bring greater visibility to entrepreneurship and the contribution of small businesses to South Africa’s economy.
