Cape Town – South Africa’s Romanda Hombir has described being crowned Miss World Africa as a “dream come true” after making history with a Top 6 finish at the Miss World 2026 pageant in Vietnam.
The 27-year-old clinical audiologist represented South Africa at the grand finale in Nha Trang on Saturday, 5 September, where Dominican Republic’s Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026.
Hombir’s Top 6 finish was South Africa’s best result at the international pageant since Rolene Strauss won the Miss World crown in 2014.
She was also crowned Miss World Africa after emerging as the highest-placed African contestant in this year’s competition.
Reflecting on the achievement in a post on Instagram following the finale, Hombir said the experience had been an unforgettable one.
“Last night was an absolute dream come true,” she wrote.
View this post on Instagram
As she begins her reign as Miss World Africa, Hombir said she was grateful to become part of the Miss World family and looked forward to the work ahead.
“I look forward to the incredible journey ahead,” she said, adding that she hoped to touch lives and create a meaningful impact through the platform.
Hombir also congratulated Dominguez on taking the international title, saying she was “so proud” of the new Miss World.
Beyond the pageant, Hombir has used her career and humanitarian work to champion better access to healthcare and education in underserved communities.
She is a clinical audiologist and the founder of Caring Purpose, an organisation involved in health, literacy, food security and skills-development initiatives.
Her Miss World profile describes her as a humanitarian and health and education advocate, with a particular focus on improving opportunities for children and vulnerable communities.
Speaking in a post-pageant interview, Hombir said she was carrying the Miss World Africa title with “pride and joy”.
View this post on Instagram
“I’m hoping that my country is proud, that my continent is proud and that the world can see that Africa is actively working towards improving our countries and being united in ensuring our children are getting the love and care they deserve,” she said.
For Hombir, the new title also represents recognition of the work she has already done in healthcare, particularly in underprivileged communities.
She said she felt “celebrated and honoured” for the work she had done as a clinical audiologist.
“I’m carrying that message even further, not only for our children, but for every marginalised community that they are seen, they do matter, and that we are ready to assist them,” she said.
With the Miss World Africa crown now added to her achievements, Hombir is set to use the international platform to continue her advocacy work while representing Africa within the Miss World organisation.
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Picture: Instagram/ Romanda Hombir
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
