Sixteen-year-old Naledi Shezi, a Grade 11 learner at Queensburgh Girls’ High School, is proudly representing her school and community as one of the finalists in the prestigious Miss KZN Queen pageant.
More than just a beauty competition, the Miss KZN Queen pageant provides a platform for young women to advocate for causes close to their hearts — and Shezi has chosen to focus on breaking the silence surrounding mental health. Her advocacy promotes awareness, education and the creation of safe, supportive environments for individuals who may be suffering in silence.
“My advocacy is about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and understood,” she said. “It’s important for us to talk about mental health openly so that no one feels ashamed or alone.”
Shezi describes the pageant experience as life-changing. “I’ve gained so much confidence and learned to own my voice. This journey has taught me to embrace my true self, take risks, and trust in my ability to lead and inspire others. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to amplify my message and reach more people.”
Proud of her humble upbringing, Shezi believes her values of hard work and dedication were instilled in her from a young age. Her leadership qualities have shone throughout her school years, serving as a former Representative Council of Learners (RCL) member, now Deputy RCL Chairperson, and a learner representative on the School Governing Body (SGB).
She hopes to use her pageant platform to challenge stigma and inspire conversations around mental health. “I’m passionate about the field of psychiatry and believe the first step towards healing is having the courage to speak up. By sharing our stories, we can create a ripple effect of compassion and change.”
Shezi aspires to leave behind a legacy of empathy, authenticity, and meaningful impact.
