Former Umhlatuzana resident and participant in the Miss South Africa Pageant, Alisha Munilall is on a mission to empower the youth. The 26-year-old businesswoman who is in the software engineering sector and has started her own upskill and empowerment programme called, ‘The Goddess Warrior Foundation.’
Chatsworth Tabloid (CT): Tell us a bit about yourself and why you entered the Miss South Africa Pageant?
Alisha Munilal (AM): I strive to be a woman of purpose, vision and change. I believe that hand in hand with the Miss South Africa organisation, I will be able to advocate and empower the youth of today on a much larger scale. I am ready to serve my country. Making a difference to my country is very close to my heart. From a young age, I have been selflessly passionate about giving back to the community. I believe that even the smallest good deed has a ripple effect. I have made it my life mission to help as many individuals as I can. I want to show the world that helping one another goes far beyond language, racial and stereotype barriers.
CT: What does your job and career entail?
AM: I am in the Software Engineering field and work at one of the largest health sectors in South Africa. I graduated with a Distinction of Bachelor Science in Information Technology. In addition, I have two Diploma’s and over 50 certificates in Information Technology, Software Architecture and Business Management.
CT: What did you pursue after completing your studies in Information Technology?
AM: I relocated to Dubai, United Arab Emirates as I was offered a position due to my athletic skills. I later returned to South Africa to pursue my love for Software Engineering and has since been actively involved in large IT projects for major national and international organisations.
CT: How does ‘The Goddess Warrior Foundation’ benefit the community?
AM: This purposeful cause strives to assist individuals with upskilling and empowerment, exposure to gain experience in established working environments, employment opportunities and community initiatives.
CT: What are you passionate about?
AM: Growing up, I had a strong point for academics and sport. I joined a swimming club at the age of eight and later took on a competitive level. I am also a former football league player. I had always been extremely passionate about Computer Science since a young age and decided to pursue it on a tertiary level.
CT: What are your hobbies?
AM: My hobbies primarily entail reading and working out. My favorite genre of novels includes motivational, entrepreneurial, spiritual and sci-fiction. In addition to being a voracious reader combined with my passion for helping others, I have recently started writing a children’s book aimed towards self-confidence.
CT: What do you do in your spare time?
AM: I am actively involved in community initiatives, awareness campaigns and empowerment programs. I am a volunteer for the Cupcakes of Hope Foundation, Support Cancer Awareness South Africa NPO and have founded my own upskill and empowerment program called, ‘The Goddess Warrior Foundation’. My social initiatives expand to hosting community food drives, fundraisers and school visits that entails awareness and social issue talks. I also enjoy traveling, outdoor activities and spending quality time with my fur-child (cat) Sofia, who means the world to me.
CT: Who is your role model?
AM: Michelle Obama, I believe her perspective and purpose strongly aligns with my vision, values and mission in life. I want to show the world that helping one another goes far beyond language, racial and stereotypical barriers.
CT: Which is your most used emoji?
AM: Heart eyes and because I love spreading kindness and positivity and the face with tears of joy is when I admire something or someone, I do not hold back in saying so. I am a very optimistic individual and I try to find humour in every situation. Life is too short to be anything but truly happy.
CT: You have to sing karaoke; what song do you pick?
AM: It’s my life by Bon Jovi.
CT: If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would it be?
AM: Pasta.
CT: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
AM: Don’t ever stop learning and growing as a person. These words have been pivotal to the woman I am today. I am continuously working on becoming a better version of myself, be it professionally and personally we always have room for growth.
CT: What would you like to be remembered for?
AM: Making a difference. I have devoted myself, my love for helping others and my voice to uplift and educate the youth of today. I will always strive to have my voice heard, as loud as possible so that I can spread my message of love, light and hope to all those that may need it.
CT: What is your favorite item you’ve bought this year?
AM: A novel called, ‘The Young Entrepreneur’s Playbook’ by Lindile Xoko. It is an insightful book and definitely an investment with methods that I have introduced in running my businesses.
CT: If you had a time machine, would you go back in time or into the future and why?
AM: Future, due to being in the software engineering sector, I would be undeniably curious about the evolution of technology.
CT: If you could watch one movie again for the first time, what would it be and why?
AM: I could watch Harry Potter a million times. My mum had purchased my first Harry Potter novel at the age of eight and ever since I have been hooked.
