Local Miss Deaf SA finalist reaches out to centre in Birchleigh
Miss Deaf SA finalist on lockdown: “Maybe God wants the world to unite and bring us on our knees again.”
Glen Marais resident and Miss Deaf SA 2020 finalist Chanika Viljoen (26) shared love and support at Môrester Child and Youth Care Centre in Birchleigh by donating food parcels on Saturday.
Chanika entered the pageant at the end of February and wishes to make a difference in the lives of her fellow disabled community members.
When she was asked how 2020 was treating her, she said: “The year started out great, but then Covid-19 hit the world in which so many people lost their lives already. But maybe God wants the world to unite and bring us on our knees again.”
She told Express that the dash of originality she would bring to the Miss Deaf SA competition would be her faith in God. As part of her campaign, Chanika wants to distribute Bibles to those who do not know the Word of God.
Due to the lockdown, Chanika has been waiting for her graduation at Unisa after completing a three-year postgraduate diploma in accounting.
If she became Miss Deaf SA, the finalist said, “I will still be myself.”
She added that she wanted to continue bringing relief to the needy in terms of food and clothes donations in addition to education.
But how has a beauty pageant contestant been keeping fit during the lockdown? “Luckily, I have an exercise bicycle at home.”
Chanika said she was not worried about the time ahead as she had been managing to juggle work, the pageant and keeping fit.
“Planning your schedule should be a part of your everyday life.
“I believe any person can achieve what they want, whether you’re able-bodied or disabled.”
So far, the lockdown has not brought any changes to the Miss Deaf SA competition. “The president made the right decision with these measures as lives are worth more than money.
“Please like my Facebook page ‘Chanika Viljoen-Miss Deaf South Africa Finalist 2020’ as it counts towards the Public Choice Award.”
If you wish to help Chanika accomplish her dream of becoming the next Miss Deaf SA and win the Public Choice Award, SMS ‘MDS01’ to 47439. Rates are charged at R3 per SMS.
