Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is celebrating a proud moment as its alumna and Speech Therapist, Audiologist and Clinical Supervisor, Amogelang Emerlda Bunu, advances to the Top 12 of the Miss South Africa 2026 competition. Representing more than her professional achievements, Bunu brings a powerful story of resilience, service and purpose, taking her journey from Mabopane in Gauteng to one of the country’s most prominent national platforms.
Bunu is a clinician in SMU’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, where she contributes to professional training and develops future healthcare practitioners through clinical supervision. Beyond her university responsibilities, she is a mother, runs her own practice and remains committed to community development. She also pursues her passion for karate, teaching and coaching learners at Ngaka Maseko High School. She credits the discipline, perseverance and resilience developed through martial arts with shaping how she approaches the different responsibilities in her life.
Her participation in Miss South Africa 2026 is also an opportunity to advance an advocacy campaign closely connected to her professional expertise. Through Empower Youth Africa, Bunu champions Play with Purpose: Communication, Access and Safety Through Playgrounds, an initiative that promotes safe recreational spaces, inclusive sports participation and early communication and hearing screenings for children.
“Through my private practice, we are providing free hearing and communication screenings at early learning centres in Mabopane. I have also built an online presence through TikTok @bunu.sta, where I educate parents on communication developmental milestones and how to use play at home to boost communication and learning outcomes,” said Bunu.
The campaign recognises that access to safe playgrounds and sporting activities extends beyond recreation. These spaces give children opportunities to develop social skills, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and discover their talents. It also advocates for early identification of hearing and communication difficulties through school-based screenings, enabling children who may experience developmental challenges to receive appropriate support.
Drawing on her experience as a speech therapist and audiologist, an athlete and a mother, Bunu believes that play is essential to children’s overall development. Her campaign encourages schools and communities to create environments where every child can participate, communicate, and feel included. As captured in her advocacy message, “Working bodies grow working brains.”
Her journey to the Top 12 reflects the professional commitment, personal discipline, and community engagement she brings to the national competition. From the Top 24 to the Top 12, her progress has generated excitement within the SMU community, which is rallying behind her as she prepares for the Miss South Africa 2026 finale.
Bunu’s achievement reflects SMU’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation. As a dedicated health sciences university, SMU promotes professional education, teaching, learning and innovative research while encouraging its staff and students to contribute meaningfully to society. Through Bunu’s professional work and advocacy, the university’s commitment to health, inclusion, human dignity and community well-being is also reflected beyond the classroom and clinical environment.
As she continues her journey toward the crown, Bunu carries the pride of her university and community, showing how professional expertise can translate into advocacy that creates opportunities for others. From Mabopane to SMU and now the national stage, her story exemplifies purpose-driven leadership and SMU professionals’ contribution to building healthier, more inclusive communities.
The SMU community is encouraged to support Bunu by attending the Miss South Africa 2026 finale and showing its support as she competes for the national title.
By Tumelo Moila
