SA Pre-Teen Beauty Queen Esihle Mangwana Heads to Colombia for Global Crown

• A South African young pageant contestant is preparing herself for an international competition after years of consistent wins that gave her confidence and national recognition
• Mzansi is expected to rally behind the 12-year-old learner as she gets herself ready ahead of a global competition that is expected to feature contestants from several countries
• Months of preparation, school balance and community support lie behind the glamorous crowns of a young representative stepping onto one of the pageantry’s biggest stages

Young pageant talent from Mzansi, Esihle Mangwana, will be getting herself ready to represent South Africa at the Universal Queen International competition.

The event will take place in Colombia in 2027. Mangwana, only 12-years-old, secured her place after clinching the crown at the Pre-Teen Universal Queen South Africa 2026.

Mangwana is originally from Newcastle in the KwaZulu-Natal province. She will be up against contestants from across the world in the 10th edition of the international pageant. She earned this opportunity through years of competing in local pageants. She built a solid reputation for community-focused advocacy and discipline at a young age.

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Her journey was shared through a media statement on 2 March 2026. Over the years, Mangwana built a really impressive pageantry record. She won several regional and national crowns. These include Miss Newcastle Junior 2022 and Miss Ace Benoni Junior 2023.

Mangwana also went on to win Miss Wonder Woman 2023, Miss Teen Excellency SA, IMSA Miss Green 2024, and IMSA Miss Fitness 2025. All of this was before winning the Pre-Teen Universal crown, which secured her place on the international stage.

Eyes on Colombia’s global stage

The Universal Queen International platform celebrates diversity among young contestants. Mangwana is expected to showcase Mzansi’s heritage through cultural presentation segments.

About the Universal Queen International

The event runs over several days and includes exchange activities. Contestants participate in national costume presentations. There are also formal wear showcases, as well as interview rounds designed to test communication skills and personality under pressure.

Participants are expected to be promoting social causes linked to socio-economic issues, such as unemployment or environmental awareness. The aim of the competition is to develop young ambassadors who are capable of representing their nations in other global events beyond the competition.

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Contestants are also allowed to interact with international coaches and former titleholders. This is done through workshops and mentorship sessions.

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• The newly crowned Miss Universe 2025 (Mexico) faced immediate criticism after her final answer was deemed vague and underwhelming by many online viewers.
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• The Miss South Africa organisers have commented on social media rumours that this year's pageant has been cancelled.
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Source: Briefly News