READY TO SHINE:
Miss SA finalist Mishka Patel, who hails from Stellenbosch, has been hard at work in the gym to relieve some of the stress in the run-up to next Sunday’s pageant.
WESTERN Cape business management student Mishka Patel has been sweating up a storm to keep calm.
The 22-year-old Stellenbosch model, who is one of the 12 finalists in the Miss South Africa pageant, which takes place in the Sun City Superbowl on Sunday next week, said she was “excited but nervous”.
She has been going to gym a lot to quell the butterflies. “It’s been very exciting and a lot of hard work. But I’ve also learned a lot about myself and feel I have had incredible personal growth.
“I am overwhelmed with all the love and support I am receiving from friends and family.”
She has been away from her home and family for several weeks in the runup to the pageant. “I am a little bit nervous, but mostly excited and happy that we are finally here.”
I took a chance and entered and couldn’t believe it when I made the final 12
Patel said her parents, Shenaaz and Shuayb, had initially not been fans of the competition.
“I took a chance and entered and couldn’t believe it when I made the final 12.
“Just after it was announced in Johannesburg, I called my mother and told her that the 12 finalists had been announced.
“She immediately started to comfort me, thinking I hadn’t made it. She was delighted when I told her that I was one of them.”
Patel said her favourite challenge had been on the runway.
“I loved my silver goddess gown and doing the catwalk in the rain.”
She said she missed her bed and her sister.
“My beautiful baby sister always makes me smile and gives the best hugs when you need them.
“I simply just miss home, family and friends.”
Patel said she could not wait to see them at the pageant on Sunday.
The young model, who loves animals — she has had rabbits, mice, hamsters, cats, fish and an Alaskan Malamute as pets — is also a fan of the outdoors.
“I love hiking, but I’m not into cooking. Actually, I’m scared to even consider making a dish,” she said.