Celebration of culture ushers in new era for Divaco pageant

The annual Mr & Mrs Divaco pageant on North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus has been rebranded as the Face of Divaco, a move designed to make the competition more diverse and inclusive.

Founded in 2004 to showcase Cape culture through drama, poetry, song and dance, Divaco, has grown into a cultural community and institution at the NWU. This year’s event blended pageantry with performances in jazz, fashion, poetry and Pantsula dance, turning the competition into a vibrant cultural festival.

The change in the pageant was showcased on 19 March 2026 at the Totius Hall on the Potchefstroom campus, where 11 contestants competed under the new name.

Divaco chairperson Nontando Maweni told threestreamsmedia: “Mr & Mrs Divaco is kind of limiting. So how about we make it the Face of Divaco? Our theme for the year festival for the culture.”

Contestant number nine, Ruben Van Aardt, was crowned the Face of Divaco 2026.

“Representing Divaco for me, means being an inspiration – not only to people, but also to a community and for change. [This is] because change cannot happen if there is no awareness, and I strive to create awareness for everyone.”

In total three titles were awarded: the Face of Divaco 2026, and a first runner-up in the competition, who was Atlegang Mokgeledi. The Divaco Personality 2026 title was also awarded.

Audience members also had their favourites.

Before the winners were announced Thandeka Nthompe said: “I think contestant number 10 [Sydney Nyati] will win. She described Nyati as “confident and iconic” and the “most memorable” participant.  

Although Nyati did not win the main title, she was awarded Divaco Personality 2026. In her speech, she said: “Whether that’s dance, poetry or drama, we have a place for you. No matter where you go in Divaco, you belong.”