Johannesburg - Joburg based doctor Ferini Dayal is aiming to become the first South African to ever win the coveted Miss International pageant later this year.
The 27-year-old jets-off to Japan in December to compete in the third largest beauty pageant in the world, which is held annually in Japan.
Dayal, a community service doctor at Thelle Mogoerane hospital in Vosloorus, secured a seat at the coveted pageant after winning the Miss International South Africa pageant in December last year.
The Saturday Star caught up with Dayal to chat about her preparations ahead of the pageant. She also spoke to us about the charity work that she’s been doing with “The Dayal Foundation”, a charitable institute which aims to create a difference in the lives of many South Africans through fundraising, and medical advocacy.
How has your preparation been going for the Miss International pageant?
It’s been such an exciting journey preparing for Miss International. I’ve spent the majority of my time focusing on my charity work which has been a priority for me for many years prior to pageantry, and to have an opportunity to continue my work and hopefully be afforded the opportunity to do what I love internationally, is an honour.
This year Miss International's theme is Sustainable Development Goals, and by working on my philanthropy projects I’ve had the opportunity to fulfil some of the goals.
But that doesn’t take away from all the fun I’ve been having of planning my gowns for the finale, meeting designers, photoshoots, ramp training and keeping fit and healthy in between my surgical career.
Preparation has been so enjoyable thanks to the team I’ve had on board helping me to grow, and has taught me so much about myself and how I can carry my purpose forward as I represent South Africa overseas this year.
How excited are you to compete on an international stage ?
The competition takes place on the 13th of December in Tokyo, but we will be expected to spend some time in Japan prior to the competition to explore and meet my fellow delegates and learn about the culture of Japan.
I am absolutely thrilled to be competing internationally, it’s such an honour to represent my country but most importantly to represent my field of medicine, and proudly be the first surgeon to represent our country in an established platform such as Miss International and the only surgeon from all of the delegates.
I’ve worked so incredibly hard so far, and I’m humbled to walk that stage. Most importantly I know the love that has gone into getting me to that stage, from every little detail in the journey, and that’s what I intend on showcasing as I step out as Miss International South Africa. I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve and putting my all into being my absolute best when I compete.
What kind of preparation have you had to do to get ready for a pageant like this?
Preparation for me involves many aspects. In terms of the physical, I’ve been training and eating healthy to ensure I’m fit and comfortable with my body for myself and for stage.
I’ve been privileged to have wonderful sponsors who have treated me like an absolute queen. Penny Burger from Mellow clinic who has been looking after my skin in collaboration with Lamelle skin care, they have been prepping me and keeping my skin glowing.
Additionally I’ve had Zene Burger making sure my hair is strong and healthy, spoiling me with treatments and ensuring my hair is always in perfect condition.
Lastly I’ve had Danielle from Sculpt body clinic in Fourways take care of my body, with EMS, radio frequency and cavitation treatments which helps create perfection for those hard to treat areas of my body.
I also have an absolute wonderful team of trainers from biokinetics by Kerry Wahl who have been helping me train to keep in shape. I’ve had wonderful people support me and assist me in creating a gown of my dreams, and the most exquisite outfits for my time in Japan - Jose De Canha, Tumi Gede to name a few.
Most importantly, preparation for me has involved working on my mental state. I spend my time reading, meditating and spending time with family, friends and loved ones. It’s such a huge part of preparation to be grounded and understand where the authenticity and purpose lies, and being able to come back home to that is always a reminder of how truly blessed I am.
One of your main priorities has been charity drives. Can you tell me a little bit about the charity drives that you have been doing ?
The aim of my foundation, The Dayal Foundation, is to fill gaps in society that I’ve noted while working in the field of medicine. A large majority of our social issues stem from a broken system, and I truly believe we as the people have the power to change this. My focus is to reduce the health burden, in turn to educate on health, empowerment and employment and by this reduce poverty.
I’ve just completed a winter drive for the Chance Home, this was a drive extremely close to my heart as the home we chose was the town where my dad grew up. The children who are part of this home have had families pass through our hospitals and the reason we chose to do a winter drive is that many of these kids were left homeless, neglected, abused, and have fallen through the system but rescued by the wonderful people of Chance. The drive was conducted over two weeks, and people from all across South Africa donated warm shoes, socks and blankets for our kids.
Throughout the year I do (sanitary) pad drives and these pads supply various hospitals and schools in SA. We are working on a sustainable eco-friendly option for girls with a reusable bucket that we hope to launch soon in collaboration with the Pad Princess, which could help to reduce period poverty for young girls in South Africa.
Mandela day is another huge project that our foundation is working towards, where two hospitals will have their kids spoilt on the day, where the wonderful Mini Miracles has so far already donated 15000 rands worth of toys.
Lastly a project that is in the making, is one aimed at revamping the Chris Hani Baragwanath Breast clinic, however this one is still in the pipeline but set out to be a huge success for the women passing through a wonderful clinic which truly cares for so many women suffering with cancer.
How important is charity work for you?
I’ve been very blessed to have had the opportunities I’ve had in my life so far, but I’ve had the most incredible parents give me those opportunities who unfortunately did not have the same privileges.
My dad who was an activist, and my mom who spent her time teaching and doing philanthropy of her own, have instilled values and morals that no book or monetary value is equivalent to.
Philanthropy for me is about understanding that we are all equal, all human, and about restoring the humanity that the conditions of the world has removed. I’m so blessed to have the ability to help others and if I have the means to do so, I will always continue to assist in any way possible, because it’s our duty as people to change the circumstances of those who are less fortunate and my duty as a doctor to restore what was lost, to ensure there is no harm; and I hope I can do this one day on an international scale.
As a doctor who is extremely busy, how have you managed to balance work along with duties as Miss International SA?
It’s definitely been an adjustment figuring out the balance in my life with the added duties, but I have to give credit to my support structure who help me an immensely!
My mom and dad, who assist me daily, additionally with all my charity work, my brothers and my and partner who are present at every event, helping me every step of the way. But if I could have an extra few hours above the 24 in the day I think the balancing would be much easier!
What are some of the duties you have had to fulfil as Miss International SA ?
My philanthropy has been a huge part of my life prior to entering the pillars of Miss International, and as a result continuation of that is my main duty.
Attendance at events, mentoring of our new candidates that are selected for next year's Miss International and being a representative of the organization are some of the duties I’ve had to fulfil.
You were crowned Miss International SA a few months ago. What has it been like being Miss International SA?
It’s been such an honour to represent my country, I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities since my crowning.
Being able to share my story and have the support of SA has been truly special. To get to do what I love and serve my people as a doctor, surgeon and philanthropist and to speak my truth is what has resonated with me most, and given me so much purpose.
Would you say the journey has been amazing so far?
The journey has taught me so much, about myself, about pageantry and about who I am and what my purpose is in this journey. I’ve had my trials and tribulations, but have come out stronger, and knowingly put me closer to my end goal, it has been an amazing journey so far and I cannot wait for what’s to come.
Do you feel confident of winning in Japan?
South Africa has yet to win the crown for Miss International. I’m confident in who I am and what I represent. Taking part in such a prestigious event is a success for me already.
Having the ability to do that securely after fulfilling my dream as a doctor and being a surgeon in a field that I’m able to change so many lives, is proof that I have the means to achieve anything I put my mind to. I know that my purpose aligns with what the Miss International organisation stands for and if I’m able to make a difference and change one life in the process that’s more than a win for me.
What kind of diet and gym routine have you had to follow in order to keep in shape for the upcoming pageant?
I’ve been training as often as I can, with the help of Kerry Wahl who is my biokinetist, she has been absolutely wonderful in keeping me fit and getting me ready, and I’ve seen amazing progress so far. It’s difficult with my working schedule to maintain a strict routine, but I live as healthy a lifestyle as possible. Although I always try to keep a balance and enjoy as much as I can too, I’m such a foodie and it’s important for me to enjoy life as I go and not always be so strict with myself.
Nutrition is a field I’ve always been interested in, and more so than ever I’ve focused on understanding my body and the changes. I incorporate a lot of superfoods in my diets, probiotics for me are imperative, and getting in healthy meals within my day, high in protein and enough to sustain me is the intent. It’s not an easy choice, but my body thanks me for it.
Should you win the Miss International pageant in Japan later this year, what will be your first priority?
Through working with the Miss International organization and promoting Sustainable Developmental goals, especially in our country, I’ve realised the extent to which we need intervention on not just a national level but a global level too. My first priority would be to meet with the UN and initiate plans, that will benefit people at a global scale for reducing poverty and promoting education which would reduce so many of the social issues we endure.
I would ensure there is always transparency in issues facing our people which I feel is lacking at the moment, and always aim to put our people first. Thereafter I’d set goals with our cabinet to ensure they can be achieved within our country too, and start by what has been my world for a lifetime, and that’s health. Through health, education, and truth, the system has a chance of mending the broken and that’s what we need here.