Miss India Gauteng 2015, Sherianne Pillay, is now running for the title of Miss Heritage Gauteng 2016.
Miss Heritage is a pageant held in each province to find the nine ladies who will advance to compete in Miss Heritage South Africa, the winner of which will compete in the world finals against 50 other countries.
The pageant aims to safeguard cultural heritage through the preservation and protection of each nations’ cultural values, and promote these values across the globe to create national pride and sustainable development.
Pillay aims to win the title of Miss Heritage Gauteng 2016 at the crowning ceremony at Killarney Country Club on 6 August, and she is motivated by the country she loves.
“My motivation to win this competition is centered on ensuring that every South African embraces the uniqueness of our country, steeped in rich history and an authentic culture to make South Africans come together and be proud of our youth and our country, and I’d like to elevate South Africa and ensure the rest of the world experiences all things great that we have to offer as a nation,” she said.
“Another of my motivations to win this competition is to use the platform to influence our youth to embrace their heritage and make a difference in society.”
Pillay believes that as a born-free South African Indian, she has had first-hand experience of the diversity, unity, and culture that exists in the country and aims to showcase this on a global stage.
There is also compassion behind her beauty. “This year, on Mandela Day, I organised for the children of Dorah’s Ark to experience a game drive at the new Lion and Safari Park.” This, she explained, was part of her personal project, Princess Diaries, a non-profit organisation that serves as a counselling session for girls aged 12 to 20.
She’s also been involved with the Reach For A Dream Queen For A Day and Slipper Day events, as well as initiatives such as with Babies Behind Bars, Cupcakes for Kids with Cancer, the Crime Must Fall Walkabout and the Gandhi Walk.
The charitable beauty aims to incorporate her philanthropic causes into her duties as queen, should she be crowned Miss Heritage Gauteng. “I will endeavour to do my utmost in implementing the Miss Heritage organisation’s vision by promoting our South Africa’s heritage while playing an active role in eradicating South Africa’s socio-economic issues,” she concluded.
