Nine-year-old Luthando Gambushe from Newlands West is preparing to represent her community on a national platform after securing a place in the finals of the Royal International Miss South Africa competition.

The young finalist will compete in the grand finale, which takes place in Pretoria from September 24 to 26, 2026, where contestants from across the country will vie for the prestigious title.

Luthando described reaching the finals as a dream come true and an opportunity she is deeply grateful for.

“Reaching the finals of Royal International Miss SA is an incredible honour and a dream come true. I’m beyond thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to represent my country on this global stage,” she said.

She added that the competition has been a transformative experience, helping her build confidence and develop valuable life skills.

“Throughout this journey, I’ve learnt so much about myself, my capabilities, and the importance of empowerment, self-confidence and resilience. The competition has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, challenge myself and grow as an individual,” she said.

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Should she be crowned Royal International Miss SA, Luthando hopes to use the title to uplift others and make a meaningful difference in her community.

“If I win the title, I hope to achieve a platform to make a positive impact on my community, inspire young girls and women to believe in themselves, and promote cultural exchange and understanding,” she said.

Luthando also hopes to support charitable causes and serve as a positive role model for young people. Confident ahead of the finals, she believes the experience gained during the competition has prepared her well for the challenge ahead.

Residents wishing to follow her journey can find her on Instagram (@im.luthando), Facebook (I’m Luthando) and TikTok (@luthando_gambushe).