Johannesburg to host the 2026 Mrs Curve South Africa pageant

For many years, beauty pageants were largely associated with a narrow standard of appearance - slim, tall figures with little room for diversity in body shape. However, in recent times, there has been a shift towards body positivity and a redefinition of what beauty truly means.

Mrs Curve South Africa is one of the platforms championing this movement by celebrating women of different body sizes, particularly fuller-figured and curvaceous women. The pageant recognises that beauty evolves and that many women naturally put on weight over time, especially through life experiences such as motherhood. This, organisers say, should never diminish confidence or self-worth. More than just a competition, the event aims to honour inner strength and confidence while promoting positive mental health and self-acceptance.

The pageant is open to women aged between 28-55 and size 12-22 who are married, divorced, or separated.

Johannesburg, known for hosting world-class events, will once again host the celebration, with the grand finale set to take place at Emperors Palace in mid-November. This will be the second year the competition has run. 

Speaking to Time Out Johannesburg, the pageant's founder, former Mrs South Africa titleholder Aldytha da Silva, explained that the pageant also showcases the beauty of African women to the world. 

"We currently have our 2025 title holder, Colonel Grobler, and she will be representing South Africa mid-June in the USA," she said. 

Aldytha says Mrs Curve is not just another competition, "The stories, the narratives are what I've fallen in love with," she explains. 

"We sometimes live apologising for who we are, and this is saying to women, we want all of you, you are enough, and you are never too much," she adds. 

Entries for the national competition are currently open and close on 25 February. While the official date for the final event has yet to be confirmed, organisers are encouraging eligible women to seize the opportunity and enter.

Whether you embrace your curves proudly or are looking for a platform that celebrates authenticity and confidence, Mrs Curve South Africa is a stage where beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

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