Role model in the making

“I love my culture. So many youngsters these days are too influenced by Western cultures. We must keep it local and ‘lekker’ to promote South Africa.”

These are the words of former Rand Park High pupil and current Wits University law student, Sherianne Pillay.

Pillay will be competing against 17 other finalists on 6 August for the Miss Heritage Gauteng title. The pageant will take place at Killarney Country Club. She won the Miss India Gauteng pageant last year and advanced to the Miss India South Africa pageant where she was crowned first princess.

Pillay said there are many reasons why she decided to compete in the Miss Heritage Gauteng competition. “SA has the most diverse culture. We must not live in isolation and think ‘I am White, Coloured or Indian,’ we are all South African and must work together to make SA a better place,” said Pillay.

This young, elegantly dressed woman, explained that she wants to be a role model to young children. She added that the Miss Heritage pageant is also about accepting yourself the way that God made you with your unique heritage. The first three places in Miss Heritage Gauteng will advance to Miss Heritage South Africa.

Pillay clearly has a very big heart for charity and young children. She explained that she taught six children of the Dorahs-Ark Home in Roodepoort an African-Bollywood dance to perform for elderly people of the Heart Centre in Roodepoort on 30 July. “After the performance, I delivered a motivational speech on diversity.”

She said that she wants people to understand that you don’t necessarily need a title and a crown and sash to make a difference. “Use what you have to help people in need. Be bold and take a step towards making a difference,” said Pillay.

“Having your nails and makeup done is a blessing, but to have a platform to change lives is the real blessing,” said Pillay.

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