Alumnus Sets Sights on Miss World South Africa Title

Alumnus Sets Sights on Miss World South Africa Title

Ms Jesmika Singh, a researcher, tutor, social media creator, brand ambassador, and advocate for educational initiatives and breast cancer awareness, is among the top 10 finalists in the Miss World South Africa pageant, representing Durban.

The pageant joined South Africa’s pageant line-up last year, having previously been part of the Miss South Africa competition, where one of the top three contestants would represent the country at the international Miss World competition. The purchase of the Miss World license in South Africa led to the launch of a new franchise and contest.

Singh’s social media presence and work for promotional companies have led her to work with brands such as Avon, Garnier, Defy, MTN, Fruzo, Dion Wired and more, and she is one of the faces of the E45 skincare brand. She decided to enter the pageant to amplify her ethos of positivity and dedication to educational and charitable endeavours.

‘Optimism can change not only one’s life but the lives of others and the world. Believing in oneself, regardless of one’s circumstances or achievements, is key to achieving everything we dream of. A focused and positive mindset and clear vision and goals have been effective strategies in my success and helped me overcome significant obstacles,’ she said.

Singh attended Westville Girls’ High School and enrolled at UKZN in 2018 for a Bachelor of Science in genetics and cellular biology. After the death of her mother due to breast cancer when Singh was only 14, she has made it her mission to raise awareness and contribute to research to tackle cancer in South Africa.

After graduating summa cum laude, Singh completed her honours in human genetics at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2021 with a first-class result and went on to complete her master’s at the institution, receiving 93% for her thesis.

A firm believer in women empowerment, Singh is planning her PhD studies under the supervision of a female-led team spanning UCT, UKZN and the South African Medical Research Council; her project is part of designing a dedicated South African cancer consortium. All Singh’s research focuses on finding more effective and accessible treatments for South African patients.

To combat the reality many South Africans face of inadequate access to information about the disease and insufficient emotional, financial, or medical support, Singh has used her platform to provide public education, emotional support, and medical advice working with the Breast Health Foundation and Eh!woza.

While at UKZN, Singh founded the Women for Change organisation to create safe spaces on campuses across South Africa and offer women support and a community. The organisation grew to include more than 350 participants. Its activities included silent protests, fundraising for self-protection tools like assault whistles and pepper spray, and providing emotional support and help during commutes and the night hours.

Singh has also tutored students from junior primary to university level for more than eight years and collaborated with the James House Child and Youth Care Centre in Cape Town to provide educational support to students from wide-ranging socio-economic backgrounds.

‘I believe education is the most effective way to alleviate poverty and unlock an individual’s potential. Having someone to support and believe in them is key to this process,’ she said.

Her strategy is to provide effective emotional and academic support to achieve her vision of a South Africa where children are safe and can thrive. Her years of tutoring have given her insight into the educational and emotional needs of South African students who need considerable support.

Singh will expand her breast cancer awareness and tutoring support efforts through Miss World’s Beauty with a Purpose campaign by connecting volunteer tutors with organisations needing assistance and recruiting researchers and other organisations to speak about breast cancer and raise awareness. One project involves calling for donations to provide educational support hampers and warm clothing to students from youth care centres around Durban to see them through winter. She will also deliver guest presentations at cancer-based workshops.

Singh is motivated to see people overcome the notion of being defined by society or circumstances, and to tackle as many pursuits, and acquire as many skills as possible. She believes people should embrace their multifaceted nature and pursue multiple passions with positivity and optimism. She demonstrates that success comes from drive, not only inherent talent, and encourages others to dream big and build on their diverse abilities.

The Miss World South Africa pageant will crown its winner on 5 October.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Supplied