Newly crowned Mrs KwaZulu-Natal, Riya Singh
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Newly crowned Mrs KwaZulu-Natal 2026, Riya Singh, says her victory is both “surreal and deeply humbling,” marking the start of what she hopes will be a province-wide push for community upliftment, women’s empowerment and youth development.
The 33-year-old KwaDukuza-based educator, entrepreneur and pageant director secured the title recently, where she also walked away with five additional awards, including best interview, public choice and philanthropic achievement.
“It’s the kind of moment that stops time, where joy and responsibility sit side by side. One minute you’re standing as yourself, and the next you’re standing for an entire province,” she said.
Raised in a family rooted in charity and public service, she credits her parents, former councillor Madhun Singh and Sonitha Singh, for instilling values of generosity and community care that shaped her path into philanthropy.
Her plans for the year ahead focus on translating the visibility of the Mrs KwaZulu-Natal title into tangible impact. Key priorities include community upliftment initiatives, advocacy for women and girls, youth empowerment, and promoting local culture, arts and small businesses.
“KwaZulu-Natal is rich in heritage and talent. I want to spotlight local entrepreneurs and creatives, and encourage people to support homegrown initiatives.”
She emphasised that her reign will extend beyond ceremonial appearances.
“I don’t want this to be a title that’s only seen on a stage. I want it to be felt in communities, in schools, and in everyday conversations.”
With more than 70 titles to her name, her accolades span entrepreneurship, fashion, community service and international pageantry.
Among them are the Women Icon Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in India, Mrs Durban 2025, and Mrs India Worldwide SA 2nd Runner-up 2025.
Her journey into pageantry began in her teenage years, driven not by glamour but by a desire for personal growth and meaningful engagement. She describes pageants as platforms for building confidence, discipline and connection.
“At its best, pageantry isn’t about competition. It’s about using visibility as a tool to uplift others while continuing to grow yourself,” she said.
Beyond the stage, Singh is a qualified educator and founder of The Edu-Kids DayCare & Aftercare and a dance and modelling academy.
In 2024, she launched the Courageous South Africa Pageant, now in its third year, which focuses on inclusivity and participation over competition.
The initiative includes categories for young women, married women and emerging leaders, with all contestants receiving recognition.
Her community work includes organising donation drives, supporting school-based youth development programmes and leading fundraising efforts aimed at addressing local needs.
When asked whether she will pursue the Mrs South Africa title next, she said she remains focused on her current role.
“You have to serve your province well before looking beyond it. KZN is where my roots are, and there’s still so much work to be done.
"Mrs South Africa represents an even broader platform. If the opportunity to represent South Africa comes up, I’d approach it with the same mindset and that is to use the platform to amplify voices, open doors, and create real change," she said.
Her message to young women and aspiring contestants is: “Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable. You don’t need permission to lead or to create. You just need to begin and stay consistent.”
She added that both entrepreneurship and pageantry share a common foundation: “Believing in yourself enough to take the first step, and having the integrity to lift others as you rise.”
Mrs KwaZulu-Natal, Riya Singh's priorities include community upliftment initiatives, advocacy for women and girls, youth empowerment, and promoting local culture, arts and small businesses.
Image: Supplied