25/05/2026
Congratulations to the newly crowned 👑 Mr Mpumalanga TRIO 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌💐. We done gents ✌️
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ABM FOUNDATION NPC CELEBRATES A SUCCESSFUL 9TH MISTER MPUMALANGA 2026 GRAND CORONATION
Mbombela, Mpumalanga – The ABM Foundation proudly hosted the prestigious 9th edition of Mister Mpumalanga 2026 at the iconic Mbombela Civic Theatre, bringing together leaders, sponsors, supporters, creatives, and communities from across the province for a remarkable celebration of youth leadership, culture, purpose, and male empowerment.
The evening marked another milestone in the growth of the Mister Mpumalanga brand, an initiative under the ABM Foundation’s “Nurture, Groom and Empower a Boy Child” programme, which continues to shape young men into ambassadors of positive change within their communities.
After months of preparation and competition, Nkosikhona Roro from Govan Mbeki Municipality in the Gert Sibande District was officially crowned Mister Mpumalanga 2026.
The newly crowned titleholder was joined by:• 1st Runner-Up: Joy Maphanga from Mbombela Municipality in the Ehlanzeni District• 2nd Runner-Up: Samukelo Tala from Thembisile Hani Municipality in the Nkangala District
As the official titleholder, Mister Mpumalanga 2026 will proudly represent both the Province of Mpumalanga and South Africa at Mister Cosmopolitan 2026, set to take place in Vietnam in September 2026.
The ABM Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to the headline sponsors:• Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation ( DCSR ) Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Their continued support towards youth development, arts, culture, tourism, and empowerment initiatives has played a vital role in the success and sustainability of the Mister Mpumalanga platform.
The Foundation further extends heartfelt gratitude to all additional sponsors, stakeholders, media partners, service providers, designers, supporters, and guests who contributed towards making the event a success.
Special recognition is also extended to:• The organising committee and ABM Foundation team• The Master of Ceremonies (MC)• Judges and production crew• Photographers and videographers• Security personnel• Red carpet teams• Backstage coordinators and technical support teams
It is worth noting that the majority of individuals who worked behind the scenes — including production, backstage operations, security, and red carpet personnel — are beneficiaries of the ABM Foundation programmes, reflecting the organisation’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities, empowering youth, and developing skills within local communities.
As the organisation celebrates the successful hosting of the 9th edition, preparations are already underway for the historic 10th anniversary celebration of Mister Mpumalanga in 2027, which will take place on 22 May 2027. The upcoming decade celebration promises to be bigger, more impactful, and a true reflection of the journey, growth, and legacy of the platform over the years.
The ABM Foundation remains committed to empowering young men, promoting leadership, preserving cultural identity, and creating platforms that inspire purpose-driven generations.
Issued by:ABM Foundation NPC
