Northcliff's Shannon Benting crowned Miss Supranational South Africa
The Gauteng beauty will represent South Africa at the Miss Supranational competition in Poland next month.
African Beauty International's new pageant queen is from Johannesburg.
Northcliff resident Shannon Benting was crowned Miss African Beauty Miss Supranational South Africa 2026 over the weekend.
"Representing South Africa at Miss Supranational 2026 is a moment I will carry with me for the rest of my life," she said in a statement.
Benting will travel to Poland next week to take part in the 17th edition of Miss Supranational.
KwaZulu-Natal resident Lalela Mswane won the pageant in 2022. She was the first South African to take the crown.
Will Benting be lucky number two? She says she does not take the responsibility lightly.
"I have worked hard, dreamed big and stayed grounded in my purpose, and this feels like confirmation that showing up with authenticity and intention truly matters," she said.
"I am walking onto that stage in Poland not just for myself, but for every young woman in South Africa who has been told that where she comes from is a limitation rather than a launching pad. I want her to see me and believe that it is possible for her, too."
Mpumalanga's Romanda Hombir and Gauteng's Whitney du Bruyn made it to the top 3.
Pageant officials also announced the top 20 for the Miss African Beauty South Africa 2026.
Two women from the group will be crowned Miss World South Africa and Miss Universe South Africa, respectively.
Miss World 2026 is set to take place in Vietnam in September, while Miss Universe 2026 will be held in Puerto Rico in November.
Who is Shannon Benting?
Shannon Benting is a model and content creator. According to African Beauty International, she uses her platforms to "empower women and bridge the gap between potential and opportunity".
Here are some other interesting facts about the pageant queen.
Multicultural heritage
Benting has a multicultural heritage. She has South African Coloured roots and Chinese ancestry. Her heritage "has shaped her into someone who celebrates diversity, family and unity."
Beauty in Action
The 30-year-old is helping to upskill the youth.
"Through her initiative, Beauty in Action, she works to connect underserved youth with mentorship, skills development and community outreach, driven by her conviction that talent is universal but opportunity is not."
Girl power
Benting is a girl's girl. She wants to inspire young women to follow their dreams no matter what.
"Grounded, teachable and purposeful, Benting dreams of building platforms that remind young South African girls that where they come from should never limit where they are going."
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