YELLOWWOOD Park’s Kimara Badal (26) is one of the top 16 Miss Uniworld South Africa pageant finalists, which not only empowers youth but also serves as a platform to effect change.
Miss UniWorld South Africa is a national pageant open to young, unmarried women between the ages of 18 to 28 from all race groups, who reside in South Africa. Kimara, who is passionate about inspiring the youth, describes the relatively new pageant as one that caters to women of all sizes, shapes and colours. “It’s not about glitz and glamour but instead helps develop young women and build their confidence. I wanted to do something for myself this year. I had this pageant set as a goal and that I would become a finalist and I did. I don’t have straight teeth and I have marks and scars on my body. I’m not as polished as I look. It’s nice to be part of a pageant that accepts you for who you are and what you are passionate about,”she said.
The 26-year-old said that she wasn’t really fascinated with the world of beauty and modelling. “When I was younger I used to think it’s just a bunch of fake people who do this stuff and then I found myself doing a few pageants and realised that it is a way to get rid of my shyness and get out of my comfort zone. I also got the opportunity to meet and network with different kinds of people as well as make new friends. It’s the total opposite of what I used to think about pageants,” she said.
Kimara is a humanitarian at heart who involves herself in worthy initiatives that seek to assist those in need. She is a member and volunteer of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and is specifically affiliated to CANSA Durban as a health promoter. “We go out to schools and promote cancer awareness, which is very close to my heart. Other than that I also do my bit wherever I can as I believe in giving back in any way that I can, whether it’s collecting groceries and clothes or being involved in feeding schemes or hosting motivational talks for the youth.
Excited about her current pageant endeavour, Kimara said that she loves the unity of the top 16 female finalists and is happy to be sharing the platform with young women who are involved in worthy causes and uplift each other instead of breaking down one another. “Together we are working as a united front to make this year’s Miss Uniworld South Africa pageant legendary!
When asked what life lesson she has learnt while in this competition, the humble pageant finalist said: “Every single girl participating obviously wants to win the title but even if you don’t there will be no regrets. However, it’s not all about winning, it’s about the journey. That is where you make the most of it. Winning is just the cherry on top of the cake. The cake is the journey, that’s much more delicious and fulfilling.”
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