Born in Morningside, Durban, and now living in Gauteng, Lee-Ann Naidoo has made history as the first Indian South African to win the Global Mrs Supranational Tourism Queen Ambassador Worldwide 2025 title. The international pageant, held on 12 July in Yangon, Myanmar, welcomed over 60 contestants from around the world.
At 45, Naidoo is more than just a beauty queen — she’s a trained pastry chef, a mother of three, a survivor of gender-based violence, and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Her journey from local modelling classes in Durban to the international stage is rooted in determination, resilience, and a dream long championed by her late father.
“He believed in me before I believed in myself,” she said. “This crown is the fulfilment of his vision and a celebration of every woman who was told she couldn’t.”
Naidoo’s road to the crown began earlier this year when she won the Mrs Supranational South Africa title. Months of preparation followed — from fitness and public speaking to developing her stage presence. Her Waka Waka-inspired talent performance, representing the power and spirit of Africa, was one of many highlights that impressed judges.
“The training was intense — physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she said. “But I kept going for my family, my purpose, and my country.”
The win is a significant milestone for representation. “Indian women are still a minority in pageantry,” she noted. “To win for South Africa — and for Indian girls who never thought they’d belong on a world stage — is an honour I carry with pride.”
Since returning home, Naidoo has received invitations to global fashion events, including Milan, Paris, and Cannes. But for her, the title is about more than appearances.
“My mission is to inspire, uplift, and lead with love. If my story encourages even one woman to believe in herself again, then I’ve done something meaningful.”
