Pretoria, South Africa: There is a distinct shift happening in the world of South African fashion, and it’s being driven by a platform that understands style is nothing without substance. This year, The Next Opulent Model South Africa™ (The Next OMSA), proudly presented by Sun International, celebrates its eleventh anniversary. To mark the milestone, the event is centred around a singular, powerful concept: “Reputation.” It’s a nod to the integrity, discipline, and genuine career breakthroughs that have made it one of the country’s most anticipated style and fitness spectacles.
The Grand Finale Spectacular
Mark your calendars for August 20, 2026. The spectacular Grand Finale is headed to the SunBet Arena at Time Square, brought to life by Johan Ungerer Signature Events. In what promises to be an absolute feast for the senses, over 200 finalists will take to the stage in front of a 5,000-strong crowd. With visionary Creative Director Willie Venter steering the production, guests can expect a seamless blend of high fashion, vibrant entertainment, and pure theatre.
For over a decade, The Next OMSA has acted as a launchpad for fresh faces. As the exclusive local partner for Top Model Worldwide London, the event regularly sends homegrown talent straight to the global stage—with alumni walking the runways of London Fashion Week, SA Fashion Week, and fronting major campaigns across Europe, Asia, and New York.
From Aspiring Talent to Industry Icon: Yolanda Monyai’s Journey
At its heart, though, this is a story about personal evolution. Take Yolanda Monyai: today, she’s an award-winning fashion model, digital influencer, and podcast host. But before she became a familiar face in the industry, she was simply an ambitious girl looking for a foot in the door. The Next OMSA provided the mentorship and professional space she needed to build her personal brand and find her stride.
Her journey came full circle when she was invited back to sit on the judging panel for the 2025 competition.
“The Next Opulent Models South Africa gave me so much more than just a runway,” Yolanda shares. “It gave me the mentorship and the genuine confidence to chase dreams I used to think were completely out of my league. It completely changed how I see myself and what I’m capable of achieving.”
That kind of personal breakthrough is exactly what drives the event’s founder.
“We’re not just putting on a show,” says Johan Ungerer, Founder and CEO of The Next OMSA. “We’re investing in people. Seeing someone like Yolanda grow from an aspiring model into a respected, confident industry professional is the entire reason we do this. Their growth becomes our legacy, and it shows the next generation what’s possible.”
More Than a Pageant: The Masterclass Experience
The lead-up to the finale is essentially an intensive masterclass in personal growth. Finalists undergo hands-on workshops covering everything from catwalk training and professional photography sessions to social media strategy and personal branding. Whether they walk away with a title or not, every single participant leaves with a massive boost in confidence and a practical toolkit for the real world.
The finale also serves as a massive celebration of the local creative economy, giving South African designers, makeup artists, hairstylists, and performers a grand stage to showcase their artistry. By keeping the platform accessible and removing financial barriers for contestants, the event continues to champion true diversity and fresh perspectives.
This year’s judges, a mix of beloved celebrities, lifestyle icons, and industry veterans, will be looking for that elusive spark across a variety of categories, including runway, editorial, commercial, and fitness modelling. It’s a beautiful reminder that modern beauty is diverse, individual, and multi-dimensional.
A Decade of Growth and Beyond
What started years ago in a modest hotel conference room with just 20 contestants has blossomed into a massive national production. As The Next OMSA steps into its second decade, its focus remains firmly on celebrating South African talent, nurturing international connections, and proving that when you empower someone, extraordinary things happen.
Want to experience the magic live? Tickets are available now via iTickets. General seating is available at R320, or you can elevate your evening with a VIP experience for R1,350, which includes a glamorous red-carpet arrival, premium seating, and an exclusive three-course dinner curated by Time Square.