Miss World South Africa Romanda Hombir has proudly showcased her national costume ahead of the Miss World 2026 finale in Vietnam.
The South African beauty queen unveiled the elaborate outfit as contestants prepare for the pageant’s highly anticipated finale on Saturday, 5 September.
Hombir’s costume celebrates South African identity through its use of the country’s national colours, intricate beadwork, sequins, feathers and a dramatic embellished corset design.
One of the standout features is the cape, which carries an image of former president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela. It also features the words “Freedom, Equality, Unity, Respect, Hope, Love.”
The tribute carries added significance because Hombir was crowned on Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July.
Romanda Hombir brings the costume to life
Hombir didn’t simply pose in the striking ensemble — she also showed off her dance moves while wearing the costume.
A video shared on social media captured the Miss World South Africa representative confidently dancing and celebrating her heritage in the eye-catching outfit.
The designers behind the costume, Hollywood Costumes, described it as a tribute to the essence of a proudly South African queen and to the generations who came before her and those who will follow.
The look has given Hombir another opportunity to showcase South African culture on the international stage as she competes at Miss World.
Hombir addresses questions about her South African identity
Hombir’s pageant journey has also attracted discussion online, particularly around her heritage and identity.
The 27-year-old previously addressed the issue during an interview with Morning Live, explaining that she was born and raised in Nelspruit and describing her family’s South African roots.
Hombir said her mother has Swati and Zulu heritage, while her father is coloured and has German ancestry.
“I am proudly South African,” she said, adding that she carries “the very heartbeat of our nation” with her.
With the Miss World finale now underway in Vietnam, attention will turn to how Hombir performs on the international stage.
For now, her national costume has certainly made an impression — combining South African colours, history and symbolism in one dramatic pageant look.
What do you think of Romanda Hombir’s national costume?
