Clinical Audiologist Crowned Miss World South Africa Receives Hero’s Welcome

Photo Credit: Miss World

Her colleagues at Edenvale Hospital celebrated the moment in style before Romanda Hombir begins her journey to represent South Africa at the 75th Miss World Festival.

Johannesburg, South Africa (21 July 2026) – Edenvale Regional Hospital rolled out a heartfelt welcome for one of its own this week as newly crowned Miss World South Africa 2026, Romanda Hombir, returned to work.

The hospital’s corridors were filled with cheers and applause as colleagues celebrated the clinical audiologist’s remarkable achievement, welcoming her home after she was crowned the country’s newest beauty queen.

The 27-year-old from Mpumalanga was crowned Miss World South Africa 2026 on Mandela Day during a ceremony held at the Barnyard Theatre in Menlyn, Pretoria. The pageant marked the first under the leadership of new licence holder Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala, who finished in the Top 7 at Miss World in 2011.

Romanda’s journey has always been about much more than pageantry.

As the founder of the Caring Purpose Foundation, she has spent years working to improve access to healthcare, education, nutrition and skills development in underserved communities. Her work also shines a spotlight on women’s health, raising awareness about conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fibroids.

Her Beauty With a Purpose project continues that mission by making healthcare more accessible while creating opportunities for young people through education, community outreach and empowerment initiatives.

With South African, Swati, Zulu and German heritage, Romanda has spoken about her dream of one day working with the United Nations to help improve access to healthcare, education and nutrition around the world.

Now she will represent South Africa at the 75th Miss World Festival, taking place in Vietnam from 9 August to 5 September 2026, where she will compete alongside contestants from across the globe.

After a heartfelt homecoming at Edenvale Hospital, she now swaps the hospital corridors for the international spotlight as she prepares to represent South Africa.