AFDA proudly celebrates the achievement of 2025 Motion Picture Medium alumna Alia Khan Koumantarakis, who has been selected as one of the Top 24 contestants in Miss South Africa 2026, representing KwaZulu-Natal.
A creative entrepreneur and emerging leader, Alia’s selection reflects her commitment to using her platform to create meaningful impact while inspiring young South Africans to pursue their ambitions with confidence and purpose.
Miss South Africa has evolved into a leadership and empowerment platform that seeks women who are committed to service, innovation, entrepreneurship and social transformation. Through its Empower Youth Africa (EYA) initiative, contestants are encouraged to champion causes that address some of the country’s most pressing social and economic challenges, including entrepreneurship, skills development, education, health and youth empowerment.
For Alia, entrepreneurship and skills development lie at the heart of her vision for change. Her EYA initiative focuses on empowering young people through entrepreneurship and practical skills development, helping to create opportunities for economic participation and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns closely with the broader goals of Empower Youth Africa, which seeks to equip young Africans with the tools, knowledge and support needed to become leaders and change-makers within their communities.
As an AFDA graduate, Alia joins a growing network of alumni who are making their mark across a range of industries by combining creativity, innovation and social impact. Her journey from AFDA student to Miss South Africa Top 24 contestant demonstrates the diverse pathways available to graduates who embrace leadership alongside their creative pursuits.
AFDA has long championed the development of socially conscious storytellers, entrepreneurs and innovators who understand the power of influence and representation. Alia’s achievement embodies these values, showcasing how creative graduates can use their voices and platforms to inspire positive change beyond their chosen industries.
As she begins on the next stage of the Miss South Africa trip, the AFDA community congratulates Alia on this achievement and wishes her every success as she represents KwaZulu-Natal on one of the country’s most influential leadership platforms.
Her accomplishment serves as an inspiration to current and future AFDA students, demonstrating that creativity, purpose and determination can open doors to opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.