Kerishnie Naiker, the former Miss South Africa, is celebrating a remarkable recovery after a freak accident left her temporarily reliant on a wheelchair. The 51-year-old, who made history in 1997 as the first South African of Indian descent to win the prestigious title, has defied expectations and is now walking unaided.
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The accident and the road to recovery
Last year, Naiker’s life took an unexpected turn when she was involved in an accident at Cape Point. Reports indicate that she fell after bumping into a tourist on a steep flight of stairs, resulting in serious injuries to both ankles. The accident significantly impacted her mobility, requiring intensive rehabilitation.
Despite the challenges, Naiker remained determined to regain her independence. She embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation programme, working tirelessly to overcome the limitations imposed by her injuries. Her journey has been a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit.
A milestone achieved
In a heartwarming post on her Instagram account, Naiker shared a video of herself walking and even dancing with friends. The caption read, “Celebrating walking 100% unaided, against the odds,” capturing the joy and relief of reaching this significant milestone.
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Earlier this month, she revealed that she had regained “28% sports ability,” and also shared that she experienced nerve damage in her toes. The journey has been long and arduous, but Naiker’s perseverance has paid off.
Life beyond the crown
Since her reign as Miss South Africa, Kerishnie Naiker has continued to make a difference in various fields. A qualified pharmacist, she initially gave up her profession to pursue her dream of becoming Miss South Africa. She felt a sense of ethnic pride and determination to break barriers, as there had never been an Indian Miss South Africa before.
Naiker has also dedicated her time and resources to philanthropic endeavours. She established the Kerishnie Naiker Welfare Initiative, which provides social and medical care to disadvantaged communities. Additionally, she is actively involved in several corporate social responsibility projects.
Moreover, Naiker remains connected to the Miss South Africa competition, contributing to the behind-the-scenes management of the event.
A source of inspiration
Kerishnie Naiker’s story is one of triumph over adversity. Her determination, resilience, and commitment to making a positive impact serve as an inspiration to us all. Her journey reminds us that with perseverance and a positive attitude, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
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