Model sets eyes on Vietnam

DURBAN beauty Yajna Debideen walked off with not only the Miss Grand SA 2017 title but first princess at the Miss Supranational SA 2017 pageant at the Pretoria Arto Theatre earlier this month.

Debideen also won the Miss Public Choice, Miss Debutante and Best National Costume categories.

“This is truly an honour, a blessing and a dream come true. I am ecstatic,” said the 23-year-old audiologist of Yellowwood Park.

“After knowing I was one of the Top 10 finalists in South Africa and the only representative from KwaZulu-Natal, my aim was to make my province proud and I am so happy I managed to do this.”

Debideen will next be jetting off to Vietnam to represent South Africa at the third largest beauty pageant, Miss Grand International, that will be held from October 5 to 25.

The contest, she said, was aimed at combating war and violence.

If crowned Miss Grand International, Debideen will be given a year long residency in Thailand.

“My reign would involve charity work and making a difference globally.”

Debideen, who is completing her community service at two hospitals and a clinic, hopes to obtain her doctorate in audiology, open a private practice and develop free hearing screening programmes for the underprivileged.

To support Debideen through her journey, you can follow the Miss Grand International and Miss Grand South Africa on Facebook.