Phoenix’s Suraksha Ramchunder has made history after being crowned the first-ever Miss Face of the Universe Africa and will represent Phoenix, South Africa and the African continent at the Miss Face of the Universe International pageant in Yangon, Myanmar, from 25 to 31 July.
The achievement celebrates not only beauty but also leadership, resilience and purpose.
Following her historic crowning, Ramchunder said she hopes to use the platform to inspire positive change.
She said: “Being crowned the first ever Miss Face of the Universe Africa is not simply a personal accomplishment—it is a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly. I am determined to represent Africa with pride, showcasing the continent’s diversity, strength, and rich cultural heritage while promoting unity and empowerment.
“As a proud South African, educator, community leader, and continental titleholder, I am committed to using this platform to inspire meaningful change across Africa and beyond. This title represents a new generation of women who believe that true beauty is measured by compassion, integrity, and the positive impact they make in the lives of others.”
Throughout her journey, Ramchunder has remained committed to advocating for education, youth development, women’s empowerment and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
She believes education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for future generations. She is also passionate about nurturing young minds, building confidence and helping children realise their full potential.
A key focus of her advocacy is raising awareness about GBV, an issue affecting countless families and communities. Through school visits, educational campaigns and community outreach programmes, she educates young people about respect, equality, healthy relationships and the importance of speaking out against abuse.
“I believe that empowering children with knowledge from an early age can help build safer and more compassionate communities for future generations,” she said.
Ramchunder’s commitment to community service extends beyond advocacy, with her active involvement in charity initiatives, winter drives, youth mentorship programmes and community upliftment projects that provide practical support to vulnerable families.
As a single mother, she said she understands the importance of resilience, perseverance and leading by example.
“I hope to show women and young girls that no obstacle is too great when they believe in themselves and remain committed to their dreams,” she said.
Ramchunder also expressed her gratitude to Mrs Supranational Tourism Queen Worldwide 2025, Lee Ann Naidoo, for her mentorship and unwavering belief in her journey.
