Posture, chin up, chest out, these are the unwritten rules of pageantry.
For Bhavna Nunthkumar, they weren’t always part of her world. Growing up tomboyish and shy, stepping onto a stage never crossed her mind.
But one day, she decided to challenge herself by joining the Supreme Queen Global Earth Africa beauty pageant, never imagining that this simple step would change her outlook on life. Now, she is set to represent South Africa on the global stage in India next year, an achievement celebrated at a breakfast event held at Indaba Hotel in Fourways.

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“I had this idea of getting a platform that could elevate my business profile and me as a person. I didn’t realise how much it would shape me in terms of professionalism, confidence, and aura. Even the networking and the friends we made along the way have been amazing. The ladies are incredible. The friendship, the queen camaraderie, it’s been amazing.”

Although Nunthkumar loved fashion from a young age, pageantry had never been on her radar.

“I was the ugly duckling kind of tomboyish kid. My style leaned tomboyish, and stepping into this world was a real push. It was like, let’s try something new, something different that can elevate you to the next level.”

Dance has been a constant in Nunthkumar’s life. A professional classical Indian dancer, she wanted to use the pageant platform to celebrate her heritage. “It’s been amazing to be able to get the message out there for my businesses, for my heritage journey.”

Also read: Entries open for Mr World South Africa Pageant

Through her charity dance classes, Nunthkumar focuses on women’s empowerment and youth engagement, helping participants gain confidence through movement.

“I love seeing someone who comes to class saying, ‘I can’t dance,’ and by the end, they’re flawless. It’s the most rewarding thing.” She also teaches youth, including high school boys, passing down traditional Indian dances and the stories they carry.

“The passion that you get from them is just amazing.” For young girls who relate to her tomboyish beginnings, she said, “You are enough. I always felt I wouldn’t be enough. I didn’t have the poise; I couldn’t even model when I started. But you can do it. Confidence is in you; it’s something you learn. Everything you need is already inside you. Just push and reach for the stars.”

Nunthkumar’s journey hasn’t just been about pageantry and charity. A trained microbiologist, she made the bold leap from science to business.

“If you’re going in, go all in. I’m grateful I’ve pushed myself and had the support to represent South Africa. I want to fly the colours as high as possible. I’m proud of my heritage, proud of being South African, and proud to show that you can embrace both.
“I look forward to meeting new people in India, learning new cultures, and putting South Africa on the map. I want to pave the way for the next little girl with a dream to say, ‘I can be that.’

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