Glencoe teen wins Miss India SA title and inspires with cultural pride
Speaking to the Courier, Sivnarain recalled the moment her name was announced as the winner.
'It felt like the world stood still. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, disbelief, pride and joy. All the hard work, late nights and moments of doubt flashed through my mind – and suddenly it was all worth it.'
But the path to the crown was not just about beauty and elegance. For Jiya, it was a personal mission.
'I entered the pageant because I wanted to grow – not just for myself, but to uplift others. I believe in the power of voice and representation. Pageants bring beauty, intellect and purpose together to make a real impact.'
With the international finals set to take place in India later this year, she says she is preparing with 'purpose, passion and pride'.
'This is about more than me. It's about carrying my country and culture onto a global stage. The crown may shine, but it's the message behind it that I want people to remember.'
At the heart of that message is youth empowerment. As a youth leader with the Glencoe Hindu Youth & Cultural Organisation, Sivnarain is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to thrive while remaining connected to their roots.
'I believe youth development is essential. When young people are given the space to grow and contribute to their communities, they become powerful agents of change.'
Sivnarain says her South African-Indian heritage has shaped her identity and pageant journey.
'It's my foundation – rooted in tradition, pride and resilience. In the pageant world, it sets me apart. I've learnt to wear my culture like a crown – not just on stage, but in life.'
To aspiring young women, her advice is clear:
'Be boldly, unapologetically yourself. Pageants aren't just about beauty – they're about heart, purpose and identity. Don't try to be who you think a winner should be. Focus on becoming the strongest version of yourself. Embrace your roots – your culture is your superpower. Whether you're from a small town or a big city, your story matters.'
HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
a minute ago
- The South African
SA TikToker shakes up trending song with dramatic flair
Viral videos never seem to dry up on the World Wide Web. Isn't it wild how there's always something bizarre or hilarious making the rounds? From people surfing shopping trolleys on highways to cringeworthy challenge fails, the Internet never stops surprising us. The latest viral sensation has grabbed the attention of millions, racking up likes and shares all over social media. Today's Eish Wena segment features a TikTok performance by a South African user that went viral for its strikingly dramatic delivery of a popular song. Watch the video below @iamkvsh_10 Never again 🙂↔️ ♬ original sound – Uncle_X Need your news quickly? Visit The South African website for all you need to know. Enjoy a wide variety of videos from news, lifestyle, travel, sports, viral videos and lots more! There is always something to watch here! Why not follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok while you're at it? Get ALL the news you need to know on the go at your convenience! Submit your videos for a chance to be featured in the daily Viral Video article and get your name mentioned. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
The cast of Reddford Housse Northcliff were Super Troupers
After three love-struck nights of Reddford House Northcliff transporting audiences to a small Grecian Island – where disco music, dance, and love are the currency – it was time draw the curtain on the school's Music, Art, Dance, and Drama (MADD) departments staging of Mama Mia!, which came to an end on August 1. Read more: Teen dancer set to shine on global stage It was an emotional end for the show's director Dylan Niemand, who said they worked hard on the production. 'Thank you to my team for keeping me grounded, and to the amazing cast that excelled themselves.' He shared how the learners gave up their weekends, to make sure this production was the success it was. 'Thank you all for stepping up.' He also extended a heartfelt thanks to Caryn Brinkley, the school's principal, for allowing them the opportunity to bring this production to life. 'I think we could, quite possibly, be called the mad department, because we drive the school a little bit crazy at times. So, thank you Ms Brinkley for putting up with that.' He also gave great mention of the support the community at large gave towards the production. Adding their department loves the work they do and are so passion about it. 'So, we will see you again next year for another Reddford major production.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
TimesLIVE
3 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Rhythm & words: Tutu Puoane returns home with poetic jazz tour
South African-born internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Tutu Puoane is back on home soil and she's bringing a soul-stirring blend of poetry and jazz to local stages. The Antwerp-based vocalist kicks off her South African tour with live performances inspired by Lebo Mashile's poetry. The Wrapped In Rhythm Tour kicked off on Friday at Johannesburg's Market Theatre, marking the start of a cross-country journey that promises an unforgettable fusion of rhythm, voice and lyrical storytelling. The tour celebrates Puoane's latest double album project, Wrapped In Rhythm, inspired by Mashile's celebrated poetry collection In A Ribbon Of Rhythm. The first volume, released in March 2024, has already earned three South African jazz awards, cementing Puoane's place as one of the continent's most compelling musical voices. Puoane's return comes with a curated selection of performances ranging from full-band shows in major cities to intimate duos with long-time collaborator and pianist Ewout Pierreux. Each performance promises a unique encounter with music and poetry interwoven in real-time. Her next performance is on Saturday at the State Theatre in Pretoria. The rest of the the SA tour dates for Wrapped In Rhythm: Wrapped In Rhythm isn't just an album it's a heartfelt dialogue between two powerful Black women artists across time and medium. Puoane breathes melodic life into Mashile's words, tackling themes of identity, womanhood and freedom through a sonic lens. 'The poetry is already so alive on the page. I just wanted to amplify what was already there to give it another dimension,' Puoane shared in a recent interview. Volume Two of Wrapped In Rhythm, a lush orchestral version recorded with the world-renowned Metropole Orkest, is due for release on September 19.
