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The Miss South Africa pageant will be broadcast on SABC 3 this Sunday from 18:30 and takes place at the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria
Name: Melissa Nayimuli
Region: Butterworth, Eastern Cape. I currently reside in Roodepoort, Johannesburg.
Age: 27
What beauty pageants have you entered and how did you fare?
Miss SA 2020 Top 5 finalist
Qualifications and occupation:
I am a producer for a film and TV production company. I obtained my BA in Motion Picture Medium (majoring in television writing) from AFDA Johannesburg, where I graduated Cum Laude in 2016.
Why did you decide to enter Miss South Africa 2023 and why do you deserve to win this title?
Three years ago, I entered Miss South Africa with the intention of finding solutions to unify Africans, break the stereotypes and embrace our diversity. I was a 24-year-old who was only fuelled by passion. Since then, I’ve come to realise that passion without a plan of action is not enough. The world calls for transformational leaders and I believe that transformational leadership is not about where power resides but where action is taken. Today I still carry the same message with me but with an even greater emphasis on leadership, service, action and responsibility. Miss South Africa has produced powerful and influential women who’ve used this platform to effect meaningful change and have flown the South African flag high. Should I be granted this privilege, my intention is to not only build on this legacy but preserve it.
What do you think is the most important part of a beauty pageant?
Miss South Africa is not just about getting the crown, it is a job where you are and have to be of service to the people of South Africa. I believe just like in any job, the most important part of a beauty pageant is the interview process. This is the space where the judges really get to know each woman, their ambitions, goals and intentions for the platform on a more personal but, most importantly, authentic level
What qualities should a woman possess to make a notable difference in the world?
I believe she needs to be a compassionate leader with strong conviction in her advocacy and herself. It is extremely important that just because you have good intentions and a vision, it does not mean that everyone will agree with you. It is essential to be a great communicator and listener in order to find common ground and to achieve solutions to build a better society for ourselves and for generations to come.
Why do you believe that the Miss South Africa pageant should be more inclusive and representative of society?
We live in such a beautiful, culturally rich and diverse nation and I believe that with Miss South Africa being one of the biggest and inspirational leadership platforms that both women and young girls look up to, it is imperative that the organisation reflects the society we live in, so that all women not only feel, but see that they are represented, included and heard.
Tell us about your family?
My parents live in East London where my mother works as a nurse and my father is enjoying his retirement after decades of service as a teacher and lecturer. I am the third of five siblings, with two brothers and two sisters. My older sister is a doctor and my older brother works in IT. My younger sister is studying for a law degree and my younger brother is in high school.
How are you playing your part in your community and in South Africa?
In most cases, acts of discrimination, bias and prejudice occur in our communities, at home and at our work places. I have experienced and seen people, especially those in minority groups, being discriminated against, especially in the workplace, and I have taken it upon myself to stand up and speak up for them. Too often we think we need money or a big campaign to make a difference but as the saying goes, ‘charity begins at home’, and we need to make it a point to be kind and teach people kindness wherever we are.
What do you love about South Africa?
The food, the beautiful landscapes and, more than anything, our sense of humour, even in hard times.
How do you define success?
Having peace of mind and happiness. Waking up and being able to live my dream by working and growing in a space and field I’ve loved and been passionate about since I was a child is the best definition of success for me.
Tell us 4 short facts about yourself (including something people may not know about you)
I am creative
I don’t know how to swim
I make the best dombolo (steamed bread)
I have many hidden talents, but they are so well hidden even I haven’t found them yet
What has been your biggest disappointment and how did you bounce back?
Putting myself last in situations which I knew required me to choose myself first. Now I am unapologetic about putting my peace and safety first.
What do you like most about yourself?
I’m headstrong and resilient but also extremely compassionate and an attentive listener.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
I am a big overthinker, I’d really like to change that.
What do you think is?the biggest problem facing young people today?
The lack of employment opportunities in our country and access to affordable education.
Who are your local and international female role models and why?
Locally, my mother and two sisters – they are the most hard working, resilient and passionate people I know. Internationally, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ava DuVernay. Both of these women are leaders in their respective industries; they are passionate and amazing storytellers who aren’t afraid to speak their truth and stand up for what they believe in, no matter the cost.
If you could have lunch with anyone famous - dead or alive - who would it be and why?
I would really love to have lunch with my late grandmother. My mother always describes her as a fearless warrior, as she singlehandedly raised six children on her own during very difficult times. I would love to find out from her what her source of courage was and thank her.
What do you do in your spare time?
As I am on set for very long hours and sometimes six days a week, I try use my spare time to just rest. I love spending time at home, just listening to music and relaxing.
What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
To build, value and never stop working towards gaining your own independence. It is the key to having the freedom to make your own choices and live the life you desire for yourself and not be dependent on anyone else.
SHORT FIRE QUESTIONS
What are you reading right now?
Finding Me by Viola Davis
What music are you listening to?
Kwaye, Teeks, Pip Millet and Lloyiso
What are your favourite TV shows?
The Queen’s Gambit, The Big Bang Theory, Friends, Prison Break
What is your favourite meal?
Dombolo (steamed bread) and stew
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Watching re-runs of Friends while indulging in the mini doughnuts from Woolworths
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Anywhere where there is laughter, good food, good music and my loved ones
What is your greatest fear?
I am terrified of snakes; I cannot even stand looking at one in a picture or on television
What is your greatest extravagance?
Honestly, it’s the uber eats app. It finishes all my money every month but I really struggle to delete it
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
‘Oh my goodness’; ‘Just wow”; “Are you for real?’; ‘I just can’t’; ‘No way’; ‘Hectic’; ‘Love it’.
When and where were you happiest?
A month ago – I went to meet my nephew for the first time in East London.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I really wish I could sing.
What is your most treasured possession?
A 10-year-old MacBook I received from my late mentor
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty, support and love
What is your motto?
You can never give up because you don’t know when He’s coming (courtesy Steve Harvey)
Your social media tags:
Facebook: Melissa Nayimuli
Instagram: @melissanayimuli
Twitter: @melissanayimuli
TikTok: @melissanayimuli
