Actonville resident Shai’an Raphaela Changane is vying for the Miss Grand South Africa 2021 title.
Shai’an recently donated blankets, perishable and non-perishable food items, clothes and toys for the children at Kuselo Gauteng (Child and Youth Care services) in Boksburg.
She also donated food and vegetable hampers to the Hope and Help Foundation in Northmead.
The 21-year-old said she entered the pageant as it is a platform that will amplify her actions in empowering people by educating them on the importance of sports.
“Sport instils discipline, uplifts your self-esteem and improves your cognitive thinking. I’m not only passionate about sport but also about giving back as it has always been close to my heart. I was even an executive of community service in Grade Seven at Tom Newby Primary School,” said Shai’an.
“I believe we were put on this earth to uplift and encourage each other to be the best version of ourselves.”
Shai’an is currently studying for a bachelor of health sciences in clinical technology and she is a part-time model.
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“I was inspired to go into the health sector as my mother, Michelle Changane, who works within the renal health department and my father, Mark Changane, inspired me to do well in sport as he was my coach and I’ve been an athlete for 12 years,” she said.
She explained that most people think that pageants are just about outer beauty but they are all about what is within a person.
“They are about the empathy you have for another person, your personality and behaviour as a woman. Often, people don’t realise that outer beauty doesn’t make a woman beautiful but it’s her grace that does.
“Giving back is crucial because it constantly uplifts society with the hope of creating a better future and version of the community so that eventually it will no longer need help and extend the helping hand to others. This will then bring a cycle of enriching others’ lives.”
The youngster is also looking for a business or businesses that can sponsor her. The business name will be on her sash and mentioned in all media press releases.
The finals will be held in August at the Arto Theatre in Pretoria.
The Johannesburg Melrose Shree Siva Subramanian Temple co-ordinator, Selvie Govindasamy, also assisted with some of the donations donated by Shai’an.
To donate, contact Selvie on 083 708 5180 and to assist the Kuselo Gauteng (Child and Youth Care Services), contact Ebbie on 082 527 0843.
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