JOHANNESURG - Tiyani Makamu is South Africa's new beauty Queen.
But the 27-year-old's crowning on Saturday night was not without controversy, as social media attention turned to the crown on her head.
While many hailed the moment, others questioned why she did not wear the iconic Mowana crown by Nungu Diamonds.
Nungu Diamonds, which took note of the commentary, broke their silence on Sunday in a statement, explaining the crown and their relationship with the Miss South Africa Organisation.
READ | Miss SA 2025 | Qhawekazi Mazaleni crowned new queen
The fine jewellery company set the record straight, saying Nungu Diamonds did not design, craft, or supply the 2026 Miss South Africa crown.
This follows the non-renewal of a sponsorship agreement with the Miss South Africa Organisation for the 2026 pageant.
“Negotiations were conducted in good faith and continued into the final days before the finale; the parties were ultimately unable to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,” the statement read.
The company says its representatives had initially granted Miss South Africa permission to use the Mowana Crown at the finale on the understanding that sponsorship discussions would resume after the event.
However, it seems Miss SA opted otherwise
“The decision not to use the Mowana Crown rested solely with the Miss South Africa Organisation. We respect that decision,” Nungu Diamonds said.
The partnership between the Miss South Africa Organisation and Nungu Diamonds spans more than three years, starting in 2023.
Natasha Joubert became the first Miss South Africa to wear the Nungu Diamonds Mowana crown in 2023.
Miss South Africa 2024 Nia Le Roux and Miss South Africa 2025 Qhawe Mazaleni then wore it.
READ | WATCH | Women's month | Sign language is now official in SA
The crown, dubbed Mowana, is inspired by the baobab tree of Limpopo and stands as a symbol of strength, resilience and transformation
It features over 800 stones, including diamonds, gemstones, and cubic zirconia, with the largest weighing 15 carats.
Despite the controversy surrounding her crown, Makamu has her sights set on entrepreneurship during her reign as Miss South Africa.
READ | Makamu sets her sight on entrepreneurship during Miss South Africa