Kerishnie Naicker is a South African beauty pageant titleholder crowned Miss South Africa 1997 and placed 4th Runner-up at Miss World 1998.

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Early life

Kerishnie Naicker grew up in Reservoir Hills, Durban with her parents Amra and Joey, a self-employed businessman and two siblings. She attained an honours degree in pharmacy in 1995 and practiced as a senior pharmacist in hospital and retail pharmacy. During her final year, her father died from a heart attack. She was studying towards her masters in pharmacy practice researching “The Social and Behavioural Factors Affecting Tuberculosis in South Africa” in 1997, when she became Miss South Africa.

Miss South Africa 1997

Kerishnie Naicker was crowned as Miss South Africa 1997. By entering the election, she intended to bring public attention to the large Indian population who is an important part of the South African population and to raise awareness on tuberculosis. Upon winning the competition, she became the first Indian elected Miss South Africa. She became the eventual winner of the title, gaining the right to represent South Africa in Miss Universe 1998 and Miss World 1998.