Local beauty gears up for pageant finals

It is pageant week, and everyone is gearing up for the finals, which includes Saleha Maharaj. The 30-year-old beauty, born in Springs, has been participating in pageantry to further her passions and dreams.

Saleha, a senior portfolio manager, sat with the Springs Advertiser talking about her journey as a finalist before the Miss India South Africa 2023 finals on December 2 in KwaZulu-Natal.

How did you get into pageantry?
A few years ago I was looking to undertake an advocacy for women’s empowerment and found pageantry is a powerful platform for this.

What are the qualities, in your opinion, that Miss India South Africa 2023 should have and do you embody them?
I feel Miss India South Africa needs to embody grace and ideals that tie in with positivity and improvement for herself and the community at large through cultural and general moral principles.
I could definitely try to be the embodiment of what is required.

How has your community helped you achieve your dreams?
My community has provided me with immense support personally and through my initiatives.

How are you using your platform to better the lives of those around you?
I currently observe a handbag initiative where women are encouraged to donate their old handbags with pre-loved items used to gift women in difficult situations.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
I would love the ability to teleport. I feel we spend too much time travelling.

What are your hobbies outside the hustle and bustle of life?
I enjoy taking care of my pets, indulging in Netflix, self-pampering, and dancing.

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