uMhlanga beauty queen to compete in international pageant

THEONA Odayar, a 20-year-old woman from uMhlanga, is a finalist in the ZEE TV Miss India South Africa International beauty and culture competition, scheduled to take place in December this year.

Chatting to Northglen News, the full-time bachelor of social science student, majoring in psychology said she is a mental health awareness advocate. She is currently studying at Rhodes University.

“I’d like to use the ZEE TV Miss India South Africa International pageant as a platform to address issues that start at home, as I believe that’s where the root cause of mental issues comes from. Then work towards tackling issues such as gender-based violence and finally focusing on women empowerment,” she said.

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Her motivation for studying towards a career in psychology started when her dad, Selvin, was diagnosed with an illness that doctors said would leave him permanently paralysed.

“I was 16-years-old at the time and the news was devastating. It was a very challenging time for my dad and I. I began questioning why this was happening to my family. It lead me on a path towards self-discovery on how I wanted to help people. My dad conquered his illness with his mind and he started to walk again. Although he did go to therapy, science said he would never walk again,” said Theona.

“Going on this journey with my dad, seeing how he rehabilitated his physical health with his mind, allowed me to be more cognisant of people’s living circumstances and that’s why I chose psychology. I want to tell people, no matter what they go through, that it’s okay, and I want to use the pageant to achieve this,” she said.

Theona entered the competition after a friend, who had won the 2019 pageant, encouraged her to.

“I started modelling in Grade 10. I work with various non-profit organisations and, because of this, my friend thought I would be a suitable candidate. I never thought I would be a pageant girl, but the experience has been very fulfilling. I met a lot of women from different backgrounds and I have learnt from them,” she said.

In her spare time, you will find Theona indulging in self-care skin treatments, shopping and reading. She also loves travelling and has ticked off many experiences off her bucket list.