Local Miss Teen Commonwealth SA finalist aims to help animals
PAULSHOF – Sandton resident and animal lover Shanice Radhalal (16) has been selected as a top 19 finalist for the Miss Teen Commonwealth 2018 competition.
Enthusiastic animal lover and award-winning model Shanice Radhalal, 16, of Crawford College in Lonehill has been selected as a top 19 finalist in the Miss Teen Commonwealth 2018 competition.
This Sandton resident is not only a pretty face but believes modelling is about becoming a role model to communities and doing something to assist the voiceless – in her case, animals.
Radhalal began modelling last year after watching Miss Universe and Miss World competitions and being inspired by their work to give back to society.
She joined Figures Models agency in Bryanston last year and has made a name for herself, winning the International Models and Talent Agency South African Commercial Model of the Year in the M5 category, which included an all expenses paid trip to New York earlier this year.
Radhalal said she entered the Miss Teen Commonwealth competition to help the animals she is passionate about.
She selected the Soweto Animal Rescue and Advisory Centre (Sarac) as her charity of choice to promote through the competition. The centre is an organisation run by animal behaviourists in Soweto with an emphasis on educating communities on how to care for their animals, rescuing abused animals and promoting adoption of animals to loving homes.
“I chose Sarac because it is not well known and they are in desperate need of better shelters and a clinic at the centre. I’m the only person who chose an animal charity and even if I don’t win, I know that I will have contributed something to those animals and helped them find a decent home,” said Radhalal.
If she wins the competition, she has committed to giving the R15 000 prize money to Sarac to assist them to build a clinic for the animals.
Founder of Sarac, Jerry Selwane said Radhalal’s assistance has been a dream come true for the centre and she has already been very involved in assisting him on outreach projects.
Founder of Commonwealth pageants Anel Deswardt said, “We are looking to identify a young, vibrant, dynamic young lady with leadership skills to be our brand ambassador.” She added that the purpose of the programme is more than a beauty pageant, but to develop young leaders who are willing to give back to their communities.
The final leg of the competition will take place in February 2018 when the top eight candidates will be announced, of whom seven will be selected by judges and one chosen by votes from the public.
Details: Like ‘Shanice Radhalal – Miss Teen Commonwealth SA 2017/2018 Finalist’ on Facebook and vote for Shanice by SMSing ‘Shanice Radhalal’ to 35554.
