Bio
Shanè Naidoo is a South African model best known for being one of the Top 12 finalists in the 2015 and 2017 Miss South Africa pageants.
Miss SA Bio
Age: 24
From: Benoni, Gauteng
Occupation
I am a third year student studying towards a degree in Industrial Engineering at Wits. I am studying engineering because I enjoy the challenge that the course presents. Industrial engineering is the perfect combination of engineering and the business field.
The industrial engineering environment allows me to be creative and innovative while still applying logic and working with numbers. It's a field that focuses on optimising and improving, which is something that speaks to me on so many different levels, as the knowledge obtained from this programme can be applied to a multitude of different areas in my life.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role?
Entering Miss South Africa means fulfilling a lifelong dream and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. I am confident that I will be a worthy leader and an ambassador for our country. I believe that I possess the strength, determination and confidence to represent our country on a national and international level.
I have passion and compassion, and believe that our people are our greatest asset. I aim to combine my personal goals and strengths with those of the Miss South Africa organisation to make a positive social impact in our society by means of engaging with our people and emphasising their strengths.
I want to be a role model to young women across the country and an ambassador for women's empowerment.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you and why?
Melinda Bam. I believe she fits in with the youth of today. She used the Miss South Africa platform so well to make a name for herself, thereby gaining access to reaching so many people across the country and beyond our borders.
I believe that the Miss South Africa brand evolved with her crowning. I admire how fearless she is with regards to embracing her feminism.
Who are your role models/who has inspired you and why?
To me, Oprah Winfrey embodies everything that a strong, successful woman should be. Her life is the ultimate success story. She is a true example of persistence and determination. Her teachings are empowering and I admire the way she uses her platform to reach out to millions of people across the world and touch so many lives. She inspires me on both a personal and a professional level.
Also my mother, Suvesha Harbhajan, has taught me so many lessons in life, one of the most important being that no matter where you come from or how little you have, a dream and hard work will take you places beyond your imagination.
Tell us a bit more about your family.
I reside with my parents in Benoni. My mom is an ex-teacher and entrepreneur and my dad is the technical manager of a cement ready-mix manufacturing company. My parents are supportive, encouraging and young at heart. I have a great relationship with them.
I have one sibling, my sister who resides in Qatar in the UAE. She's my biggest supporter and best friend. Despite her living abroad, we maintain a strong bond, and our weekly Skype calls are a must in our family.
My parents raised both of us with strong morals and values, and taught us how to be independent women. Lastly, we have four additional members to our family, our dogs: Lady, Polo, Jojo and Kayla.
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy keeping active. I work out at the gym and attend power boxing classes or I jog with my mom. I also enjoy getting lost in a good book when I have time to myself, which allows me to unwind and relax.
What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Nothing comes easily, so if you want great things in your life you have to work hard in order to reap the benefits. South Africa has so much potential for growth, and being part of such a dynamic generation allows for endless opportunities.
We are the future leaders so make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Embrace your feminism and be a go-getter!
If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be and why?
I would definitely want to meet Oprah Winfrey. She is such an inspirational woman whom I look up to in so many ways. I attended the Live Your Best Life show that she held in Johannesburg last year. Although I got to see her live, I didn't get the chance to converse with her. I would love the opportunity to pick her brain and gain knowledge and wisdom from such an esteemed woman.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I've been bungee jumping, zip-lining, swimming with dolphins and I have experienced sky-diving simulation. Next on my bucket list is conquering the Soweto Tower. One day I would like to skydive over the Palm Islands in Dubai. I crave adventure!
What are you reading?
I'm reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.
What music do you listen to?
I am listening to Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran (whose album is played on repeat!)
Your favourite TV show?
Suits because I enjoy the stylish and sophisticated nature of the series.
Your favourite meal?
My mom's chicken briyani. Nothing compares to hearty-home cooking.
Anything else you would like to add?
Through this journey, I would like to accomplish many goals that I have set for myself. Thus far I have been involved with small-scale charity events and projects. I would like to be more involved on a larger scale with charity events and being able to give back.
The Miss South Africa platform will allow me to fulfil those goals and achieve big things.