South Africa’s Romanda Hombir is celebrating a major milestone after being crowned Miss World Africa, following an impressive run at the Miss World pageant in Vietnam.
The 27-year-old clinical audiologist reached the Top 6 during Saturday’s finale on 5 September, securing one of South Africa’s strongest Miss World results in more than a decade.
Although the overall Miss World crown went to Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic, Hombir walked away with a continental title and a powerful platform to continue the work she is passionate about.
Romanda Hombir: ‘A dream come true’
Following her achievement, Hombir took to social media to celebrate becoming part of the Miss World family.
For the South African beauty queen, the new title represents more than a pageant achievement. She described the moment as a “dream come true”, while looking ahead to a journey centred on purpose, unity and making a difference.
Hombir said she was grateful for the opportunity and expressed excitement about the lives she hopes to touch through her new role.
The achievement has also placed her in a special position in South African Miss World history.
A major achievement for South Africa
Hombir’s Top 6 finish is particularly significant because it marks South Africa’s highest Miss World placement since Rolene Strauss won the global title in 2014.
Strauss remains one of the country’s most celebrated beauty queens, making Hombir’s performance another important chapter in South Africa’s Miss World story.
Her success also comes after a pageant journey that has been closely connected to her professional background and commitment to communities that are often underserved.
From clinical audiologist to Miss World Africa
Away from the pageant stage, Hombir works as a clinical audiologist, giving her a professional connection to healthcare and community development.
She has spoken about the work she has done in underprivileged communities, particularly through healthcare initiatives.
That experience appears to have shaped the message she now wants to carry as Miss World Africa.
Rather than treating the crown simply as a glamorous achievement, Hombir sees it as an opportunity to amplify the needs of people who are often overlooked.
‘I hope Africa is proud’
Speaking after the competition, Hombir said she hoped her country and the continent would feel proud of her achievement.
She also emphasised her desire to promote a message of African unity and greater care for vulnerable communities.
Her vision extends beyond children to marginalised communities, with Hombir stressing that people who are often overlooked should know that they are seen, valued and deserving of support.
A new chapter for Romanda Hombir
The Miss World Africa title now gives Hombir a larger platform from which to continue advocating for communities in need.
Her journey from healthcare professional to continental beauty queen has created an opportunity to combine her public profile with a cause close to her heart.
For South Africa, her Top 6 finish is already a significant achievement. For Hombir, however, the crown appears to be just the beginning.
With her “dream come true” moment now behind her, the newly crowned Miss World Africa is ready to turn the spotlight into a platform for purpose.
