The Next OMSA Creates Opportunities for South African Talent Beyond the Local Stage
Pretoria, South Africa – 20 August 2026 – The SunBet Arena at Time Square welcomed more than 200 finalists for The Next Opulent Model South Africa™ (The Next OMSA) Grand Finale 2026, where they performed before an audience of almost 5,000 guests as the organisation celebrated its twelfth year. Proudly brought to you by Sun International, the Grand Finale showcased the breadth of South African talent across modelling, fitness, fashion and entertainment.
The Grand Finale brought together some of South Africa’s emerging modelling and fitness talent for an evening of competition, achievement and opportunity. This year’s theme, Reputation, reflected the courage, discipline and consistency required to build a name, pursue ambition and step confidently into the spotlight.
Directed by internationally acclaimed Creative Director Willie Venter, the Grand Finale was staged as a full-scale production that transformed the SunBet Arena into a dynamic fashion and entertainment showcase. The production brought together runway and fitness categories with high-impact lighting, music, choreography and carefully timed transitions, creating a polished show experience for the nearly 5,000 guests in attendance. Finalists stepped onto the runway in designer clothing by a range of South African designers, with each segment combining fashion, movement and individual presence to give contestants the opportunity to demonstrate not only their modelling ability, but also the confidence and stage presence that have become central to The Next OMSA platform. The entertainment offering was elevated further by a live performance from South African artist Nadia Nakai, adding another high-energy element to the evening.
Guiding the evening as Masters of Ceremonies were Ewan Strydom and Shashi Naidoo, who led guests through the programme and key moments of the competition. Finalists were evaluated by an esteemed judging panel comprising Bongani Fassie, Lady Zamar, Kushie Pietersen, Gareth Cliff, Bryan O’Connor, Yolanda Monyai, Adv. Gerrie Nel and Tuani Domijan. Together, the hosts, judges, performers, designers and production team contributed to a Grand Finale that went beyond the announcement of winners, presenting The Next OMSA as a fully realised live production that celebrates South African talent across modelling, fitness, fashion and entertainment.
Through its association with Top Model Worldwide London, The Next OMSA also provides opportunities for South African talent to gain international exposure and take their ambitions beyond the local stage. The 2026 Runway Male and Runway Female winners, Mfumo Baloyi and Duney Fourie, will represent South Africa and compete at Top Model Worldwide in London on 19 September 2026.
The announcement of the 2026 winners marked the culmination of months of preparation, commitment and determination.
The Next OMSA 2026 Winners:
- Beautiful Fresh Face: Carla Berg – Kimberley, Northern Cape
- Body of the Year Male (Age Group 17–33): Clinton Samons – Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
- Body of the Year Male (Age Group 34–55): Shepherd Mfakose – Pretoria, Gauteng
- Curve: Nadine van Staden – Krugersdorp, Gauteng
- Fitness Physique Female (Age Group 17–33): Shanaya Salt – Pretoria, Gauteng
- Fitness Physique Female (Age Group 34–55): Pauline Roos – Heidelberg, Gauteng
- Fitness Physique Male (Age Group 17–29): Eric Penny – Roodepoort, Gauteng
- Fitness Physique Male (Age Group 30–55): Thabo Mpshe – Rustenburg, North West
- Men’s Open: Jaco Engelbrecht – Kriel, Mpumalanga
- Mr. Opulent: Thapelo Tsoai – Welkom, Free State
- Mrs. Opulent: Chané Venter – Pretoria, Gauteng
- Over 25s Female: Lebogang Matshediso – Rustenburg, North West
- Over 25s Male: Nardus Botes – Roodepoort, Gauteng
- Runway Male: Mfumo Baloyi – Sandton, Gauteng
- Runway Female: Duney Fourie – Klerksdorp, North West
- Brand Ambassador Male: Jason de Jager – Morningside, Sandton, Gauteng
- Brand Ambassador Female: Melissa Meiring – Pretoria, Gauteng
CEO Johan Ungerer reflected on the significance of the milestone: “For twelve years, The Next OMSA has stood for more than crowns and titles. It has stood for the belief that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when given the right platform. We saw reputations forged in front of us, reputations that will carry these winners into futures they once only imagined.”
His words reflect The Next OMSA’s ongoing mission to invest in people and create pathways that extend beyond the competition itself.
For the newly crowned winners, the Grand Finale represented more than receiving a title. It marked the next chapter in journeys shaped by persistence, individuality, and personal growth.
One of the newly crowned winners reflected on the experience: “This victory is not about perfection; it is about persistence. The Next OMSA gave me the tools to believe in myself, to stand taller, and to embrace my individuality. Winning tonight is proof that every struggle, every rehearsal, every moment of doubt was worth it.”
As The Next OMSA moves into its next chapter, it continues to contribute to South Africa’s modelling, fitness and creative industries by creating platforms where emerging talent can develop, gain exposure and pursue opportunities locally and internationally.
With the 2026 winners now preparing for the opportunities ahead, the Grand Finale reinforced the message at the heart of this year’s theme: reputation is not simply given; it is built through courage, consistency and the willingness to step forward.
Twelve years on, The Next OMSA continues to invest in people, create opportunities, and provide a platform for South African talent to build their names and take their ambitions beyond the stage.
