Miss South Africa 1997 titleholder Kerishnie Naiker – the first South African of Indian descent to win the pageant – had nothing but praise for Miss Universe South Africa 2023 Bryoni Govender, who also represented the nation as a South African of Indian descent.
Kerishnie took to Instagram to share a few words of love to Bryoni:
“When I mention paving the way for future generations, this is exactly what it is about. It’s about Indian women having a place on the global stage. It’s sad that we need to specify Indian women. Sad because our religion is love, [and] our race is human.”
The beauty queen added, “It’s so important that we have an appreciation for diversity and different cultures.”
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The video was made before the announcement of this year’s Miss Universe, as Bryoni had placed in the top 20.
Acknowledging the sweet post from Kerishnie, Bryoni replied, “Thank you so much Kerishnie, you have filled my heart with so much joy ❤️. I feel so grateful to have this opportunity, and I can’t wait to make South Africa and people around the world who look like me, proud ????.”
Bryoni recently took to her own Instagram page to share that although she did not win the crown, she still has a heart filled with gratitude.
She also shared what she found the most rewarding part her journey to Miss Universe: “…[R]eceiving all the kind words of encouragement, love and support from my fellow South Africans! I hope to have made you all proud!”
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Also see: Bryoni Govender makes it into Miss Universe top 20
