Reigning Miss South Africa Ndavi Nokeri was welcomed back to her alma mater, the University of Pretoria (UP), on Wednesday, 2 November. UP’s Future Africa campus rolled out the black carpet for Nokeri, who was wearing a stunning burnt orange suit, for an interview and lunch with the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Tawana Kupe, and University officials.

Nokeri, who graduated this year with a BCom degree in Investment Management, was serenaded by UP’s Gudani Marimba Band when she arrived. She said she was honoured to be celebrated and welcomed at UP, which she referred to as her home.

“Growing up in a village made me realised the importance of education. It is important for young girls and boys to be educated and to break the cycle of poverty through education. It is my wish to work with corporates and universities across South Africa to champion the power of education,” she said.

During the interview, Prof Kupe asked what was the one thing Nokeri would like to change in South Africa. Her response was to address the number of rape cases, gender-based violence and femicide, which she described as “shocking”.

“I would like to change that and make women and children feel safe in our country – gender equality is important,” she said, adding that charitable work was close to her heart.

“I join my colleagues in applauding you on the launch of your education advocacy campaign, Ed-Unite,” said Prof Tawana during the luncheon.

“It is clear to me, and everyone here, that you share our passion for opening the doors of education for all. You are indeed living up to your promise to make a difference in your community and communities across South Africa and the world through your example not only as Miss South Africa, but in the hard work you put in in all the years leading up to this achievement. This includes the days, weeks, and months spent sitting at your desk studying towards your UP final exams,” he said.

Prof Kupe said that it is a source of pride, not just to him but to the entire University of Pretoria community, to see a UP graduate shine so brightly on the national and international stage.

“You are an inspiring light to young and old people across South Africa, and it is a privilege for UP to have played a role in shaping someone who in turn is going on to inspire and shape so many other lives,” he said.

Watch the interview: