Eight-year-old Sadi Walker Hallam from Roodekrans is making her mark in the modelling world after being selected as a finalist in the Mr and Miss Ace Models International pageant, which will take place in December.

For Sadi, the pageant is about more than competing for a crown. She hopes to use the platform to encourage other young girls to believe in themselves, speak up and realise that their age should never prevent them from making a difference.

She only started modelling earlier this year as a way of building her confidence after describing herself as a shy girl. Being selected as a finalist in her first major pageant has therefore been a significant achievement.

While winning would be a dream, Sadi said she sees the competition as an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and inspire others.

Sadi is also putting her values into action through her volunteer work at Kitty Kazz Rescue, where she helps care for cats in need of love and attention.

She believes that making a difference does not always require grand gestures.

“Sometimes, using your voice, helping someone or giving an animal some love can make a really big difference,” she said.

Supporters can vote for Sadi by sending an SMS to 35108 with her full name.

For more information or assistance with voting, her mother, Jodi, can be contacted on 082 558 6127 or via email at jodiwalker@mweb.co.za.