New era: Former Mrs SA takes over Miss Supranational SA

Miss Supranational South Africa is entering a new era, with Joani Jacobs and the Mrs South Africa team stepping in to take over the franchise.

MISS SUPRANATIONAL SA CHANGES OWNERSHIP

Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala previously held the directorship of Miss Supranational South Africa since May 2025. Now, former Mrs South Africa (2009) Joani Jacobs will be taking over the reigns. The pageant will now operate under Jacobs’ directorship. A national search and development programme planned ahead of the country’s next appearance in the competition.

The handover lands four years after Lalela Mswane made history as the first South African woman to win the international Miss Supranational crown in 2022.

“There is something incredibly exciting about what South African women can bring to this competition,” she said. “Lalela’s win showed that we can compete at the very highest level. We now have the chance to build on that legacy and give the next woman the kind of preparation and support that allows her to really make the most of everything that comes with it.”

JOANI JACOBS IS NOT NEW TO PAGEANTARY

Jacobs is no newcomer to the pageant world. She has led Mrs South Africa as CEO since 2011, transforming it from a pageant for married women into a nationally respected platform built around leadership, purpose and impact. She also founded Ace Models International in 2005, which has since grown into a network of more than 30 franchises — giving her deep roots on both the modelling and competition sides of the industry.

She has held the title of Mrs South Africa 2009. Her vision for Miss Supranational SA leans heavily on longevity over spectacle. Jacobs believes the title should offer a platform that helps its winner build an international profile and professional network throughout her reign, rather than simply marking the end of a competition.

“Winning should be the beginning of the journey, rather than the destination. Our role is not simply to prepare someone to win a competition, but to prepare them for what may follow from having that international platform, and to help them understand how they can use their influence meaningfully.”

The change follows a turbulent stretch for pageantry licences in South Africa, as Miss SA Organisation no longer holds the license. Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss Supranational now follow a different process than before. Take a look at the explainer here.