Sister act brings international crowns home

Proudly representing South Africa, Naledi Khunou was crowned Miss Teen Nations 2026 and also won the Best National Costume award in Curitiba, Brazil.

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – Two sisters, one proud family and a celebration reaching all the way from Brazil to South Africa. Naledi and Remofilwe Khunou shone on the international pageant stage in Curitiba, Brazil, where they were crowned on 27 September 2026. Naledi won Miss Teen Nations 2026 and the Best National Costume award, celebrating her South African heritage in style. Her younger sister, Remofilwe, affectionately known as Remo, competed in two competitions, winning Little Miss Nations 2026 and finishing as first runner-up in Little Princess of the Sea 2026. She also earned a modelling winner’s award, according to GlobeModelLook owner and founder Lizelle Jacobs.

For their mother, Rorisang Khunou, the experience meant far more than bringing home crowns. “This victory is more than a crown. It celebrates intercultural exchange, diversity and the lasting friendships formed between young people from around the world,” she said.

Behind the sisters’ success stood a dedicated circle of supporters. Rorisang thanked Lizelle Jacobs and Zorina from Globe Modellook for their mentorship, guidance and belief in the girls; Amanda Kriel, national director of Little Miss Nations South Africa, for the opportunity and support; and Israel from ISSOD for his choreography and preparation. She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to family, friends, the girls’ respective schools, Bergsig Academy and Fields College, and everyone who helped make the journey possible. “This victory belongs to all of you,” she said.

Lizelle was proud of the sisters, who travelled to Brazil carrying their dreams and representing both South Africa and Globe Modellook. “Watching both of you step onto an international stage with confidence, courage and grace has been incredibly special,” she said. “You showed the world that our young South African talent can stand proudly alongside competitors from around the globe.”

Her message to the girls was warm and personal: while their titles are wonderful achievements, she is especially proud of the young women they are becoming. “Keep dreaming, keep growing and keep shining. This is only the beginning!”