Shiloh claims Teen Miss India Worldwide SA title

The Citizen

03-08-2025

Newcastle's very own Shiloh Angel Sumair (15) is breaking barriers and defying the odds after winning Teen Miss India Worldwide South Africa.
Shiloh recalled being announced as the winner she felt like time had stood still in her mind for a second….
'All I could remember was the countless hours of hard work and it all finally paid off…. I couldn't have been prouder to stand on that stage representing my hometown,' she said, smiling.
Shiloh's journey started after she made the Top 5 in the Miss Teen India NKZN pageant.She then was selected for the national round, which she won.
She was then selected to represent South Africa at the international finals, which will be hosted in Mumbai later this year.
However, due to unfortunate circumstances, Shiloh will not be attending the international event this year.
'I won't pretend it's not disappointing, but I firmly believe that all of this, the pageant and the journey, is more about the message than the title, and the message is simple: just be unapologetically yourself,' she said.
Shiloh believed that she had defied the conventional beauty standards and was very keen on using her platform to empower more women to follow suit.
'You don't have to fit into a certain mould to dominate that stage. It's not all about the crowns; instead, it's more about discovering your own voice,' she added.
Shiloh's message to young girls is simple: 'Confidence is key. It isn't something you're born with; it's something you build, and always remember that you are enough.'
Her passion for empowering women does not stop on the runway…. She has been the driving force behind her initiative called Pads4Pride, which distributes menstrual hygiene kits to girls in underprivileged communities.
'No girl should miss school or feel ashamed because of something natural,' she said.
Shiloh urges members of the community to get on board and contribute towards the project by donating to the following account:
Bank: Capitec
Capitec Name: SA Sumair
SA Sumair Acc no: 2037364578
2037364578 Branch: 470010
470010 Ref: Pads4Pride
Shiloh does not want to only be known for her beauty; instead, she wants others to see the brains too, which is why she is aspiring to become a specialist gynaecologist.
She is currently being mentored by a local doctor while balancing schoolwork, creative passions, and community outreach work.
Family comments:
I am bursting with pride, not because my daughter won, but because of the incredible young woman she has grown into. From the time Shiloh was just a toddler, I watched her give her toys to less fortunate children without being asked. That's who she is: selfless, kind, and full of compassion. She's strong yet gentle, confident yet humble. In my eyes, she was already a winner long before she received the crown because she gives her all in everything she does and excels while staying true to her kind heart. I know she is destined for greatness and will make a real difference in this world. – Shona Sumair (Mother)
My precious girl, soar higher than ever before. For the first time in my life, I've felt a pride so deep that words can't fully express it. You've shown that we are more than conquerors through our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Scriptures say in Luke 1:37, 'For with God, nothing shall be impossible.' You've been faithful in the little, and now it's your season to reap. The universe is opening up before you, not because of beauty alone, but because of your unshakeable faith and trust in the Lord. You've made your grandfather's heart full. – Roben Sumair (grandfather)
From the time you were just a little girl, you never stopped calling on the name of the Lord, and now, my heart swells with joy seeing how He's honouring that. As the Word says, 'Whatsoever a person sows, so shall they reap.' And oh, my darling, you've sown so much good; now look how His blessings are chasing after you. You've made our suburb, our city, and our country proud. And while the world applauds, I know the ones who stood quietly behind you in support, in sponsorship, and in prayer are smiling too. Keep shining, keep sowing goodness, and know this: your grandmother's heart holds a special kind of pride, the kind only one very special grandchild could ever bring. – Aneela Sumair (grandmother)
From the time she was just a little girl, she's always been determined, setting her goals and smashing every single one. Watching her achieve this milestone wasn't just a proud uncle moment… it felt like a father watching his daughter live her dream. We've always been more than just uncle and niece; we're best friends, and seeing her shine like this made my heart burst with pride. The world must be ready… she's only getting started.
– Jodash Sumair (uncle).
A word from Shiloh:
First and foremost, I give all thanks to God for His guidance, strength, and favour throughout my journey. Without Him, none of this would have been possible.
To all the incredible sponsors who believed in me and stood by my side, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support truly means the world to me.
Sponsors included: Newcastle Skin and Laser Clinic, Cell Fix and Kodak Newcastle, Smile Hub, Jayshnee Rampersadh, Boss Auto, S and M Motors, Inkwelo Resort, Distribution Company, Bonanza, Alignment Masters Newcastle, Stars Break Down, Reshum, Bob's Place, Precision Pressure Power Washing, Kuchla King, Honey's Barber Shop, Dhanie's Designs and Nomsa's Hair and Beauty.
'You are all part of my story, and I'm so grateful to each of you for believing in me.'
'To my amazing family; My mother, Shona Sumair, my greatest pillar of strength, who raised me on her own and moulded me into the woman I am today; thank you for your endless sacrifices and love.
'My uncle, Jodash Sumair, and my wonderful grandparents, Aneela and Roben Sumair; thank you for always encouraging me to be bold, confident, and to shine brightly.
'And to the lovely lady up my street, Aunty Lily, your pride and excitement touched me more than you know. Thank you for cheering me on with so much heart.
'This journey has been filled with love, support, and faith, and I carry each of you with me as I take my next steps.'
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