Mount Edgecombe resident and Miss India South Africa finalist, Michaiah Naidoo, has earned another feather in her cap after scoring a nomination for the much coveted Woman of Substance Award (WOSA) in the Youth Icon category.
The award seeks to recognise women who are achievers and pioneers of change by using their positions to positively effect the community. They also aim to shine a spotlight on women in their respective fields in celebration of Women’s Month.
As a pioneer of upliftment, Naidoo had her hands full with many projects leading up to her nomination. She recently hosted an exciting high tea at the Merv Old Age Home in Kindlewood, Mount Edgecombe where she catered for 40 females, 33 elderly ladies and seven nursing staff on duty.
She said: “My desire was to honour both pensioners and healthcare workers. Many of the ladies were wheelchair bound, hard of hearing and suffered from Alzheimers. To see them smile truly made my heart happy. The nurses working on that public holiday were so elated. I also I had the privilege of celebrating India’s 75th independence day at the Durban Indian embassy, known as India House. I was honoured to met consulate members, dignitaries and other highly esteemed members of society at this event.”
“Being a finalist titleholder on two amazing women empowerment platforms, is an absolute dream come true. As a Miss India SA finalist and WOSA Youth Icon finalist, I feel so honoured and blessed to be surrounded by supportive, vivacious women. I was nominated for the Youth Icon category by renowned SABC TV news anchor, journalist and mentor, Mahendra Ragunath who saw my potential and believed in the work that I do,” said the aspiring broadcaster.
As an individual with a personal understanding of how challenging anxiety and attention deficit disorder can be, Naidoo hopes to use her platform to promote awareness on stigmatised mental health issues. The Greenpeace environmental activist and animal rights advocate said she wishes to inspire the youth to get involved in beach clean-ups as well as educate people on animal welfare.
“My goal is to also use my voice to promote the adoption of shelter pets and decrease the statistics of animal cruelty cases in our country. I have a large responsibility on my shoulders but I will make sure my wish is fulfilled for the betterment of our beloved South Africa. I hope to spread the message of ‘Servant Leadership’ with my influence. Be humble enough to help everyone, not for publicity, status or attention. True leaders lead by example, I hope to inspire a generation of young leaders to adopt a lifestyle of generosity and selflessness,” said Naidoo.
Commenting on her goals for the future, Naidoo added: “I have my sights set on becoming a television anchor and actress. I’ve always dreamed of making my Bollywood debut one day. It’s definitely in the pipeline and will became a reality. I believe we can manifest anything we desire simply by believing in ourselves and having a vision board. Visualisation is important when acquiring one’s goals. Apart from this, my dream is to have my own registered NPO to assist abandoned shelter animals and to be able to run a sterilisation clinic, free of charge to the public, as many can’t afford to spay and neuter their pets. I also dream of having my own soup kitchen in Durban to provide nutritional meals to aid the malnourished and impoverished. I am blessed to be a blessing to others.”
