When local resident, Nerita Bedasie-Sukdhoe was crowned Miss Africa 2008, one of her goals was to change people’s perceptions of pageants.
When she won the pageant, she had no idea that the competition would change her life as well as others’.
“Winning a major pageant like this is like applying for a job in front of hundreds of people. As like any other job, along with the title comes the responsibilities of public appearances, interviews and travel. While being a beauty queen may have the panache of being a fairy tale, we are simple people trying to make a difference in society. We develop poise and self-assurance as we spread our messages and serve our communities, helping others to better their lives,” said Nerita.
Nerita was the first Indian woman to be crowned Miss Africa, on September 24, 2008.
“I stood before the judges, not only representing our country South Africa but also our continent Africa. Serving as Miss Africa 2008 was a blessing that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” she said.
Nerita said she started modelling at the age of 11 to boost her self-confidence. Twenty-one years later, ramp and photographic modelling have become her passion.
“I believe that versatility, determination, confidence and talent have brought me to this moment. Growing up as a teenager in Newcastle I often felt limited and restricted in pursuing my dreams. This is why I decided to start a modelling agency, to give models in smaller towns a chance to train at a qualified agency so they can compete internationally,” said Nerita.
She said the competition opened many doors for her and that is one of the things she tries to do with her agency.
She wants others to realise their dreams and in the process be able to make a difference in other people’s lives. “So many doors have been opened to me as a direct result of being Miss Africa. Even though my main focus was to work hard and make a difference, I had generous sponsorships and attended events such as Miss World and the Queen’s Plate horse-racing event.”
Nerita said being Miss Africa made it possible for her to reach out to those less fortunate and to give back.
“I chose not to work with one specific charity but instead a variety of organisations. I promoted education by donating school bags to Yenzani Children’s Home and painting classrooms at Norah’s Educare Centre. The journey of life is so interesting,” she said.
Since she began her charity work, Nerita has been involved with many charity initiatives, from clothing abandoned babies at the Door of Hope babies’ home to providing lunch to the elderly at Newcastle’s Organisation for the Aged.
“One of my most heart-breaking memories was visiting the residents at the Avril Elizabeth Home, but they taught me that we can overcome any obstacles which we face. I learnt to promote my culture and tradition after spending time at the Aryan Benevolent Home. When I was asked to lead the Gandhi walk in Lenasia , I was ecstatic as I gave a tribute to my role model, Mahatma Gandhi,” said Nerita.
“When you win a beauty pageant, you are expected to do some charity work during your reign but my work didn’t just end when my reign as Miss Africa ended. I live by the words ‘be the change you want to see in this world’.
“I entered Miss Africa with the hope to change my life and to be an ambassador and role model and make a difference in our community. My goal was to work with the youth who are the future of our country as well as promote education. I believe that charity begins at home and it was important for me to be the change that I want to see in this world before I motivate others and convince them to get involved in charity. I have continued with my charity work years after the pageant as I firmly believe that I can make a difference,” said Nerita.
Since she started her modelling agency, her biggest accomplishment was being able to contribute to a different charity every year and also getting everyone involved from family to her community and the models.
“In 2013 all proceeds were donated to the Child Welfare Kempton Park and in 2014 to the Edenvale Care Centre. This year all proceeds will be donated to the Dare to Dream Foundation which is a non-profit organisation involved in the rehabilitation of abused and neglected horses. Once they are healed, these horses are used to assist in the healing of abused and neglected children,” she said.
She reminded those interested to enter that the Miss Bedazzle 2016 competition will be taking place on September 24, 2016 at the Eastleigh Primary School. Individuals and corporate companies that would like to sponsor the competition are welcome.
Anyone who cannot attend the pageant but would like to contribute to the Dare to Dream Foundation can contact Brenda at brendadeklerk@gmail.com or 083 398 2520.
Those who want to enter for the Miss and Mr Bedazzle 2016 competition can contact Nerita on 072 125 3812.
