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Kerishnie Naiker Reflects on Cape Point Accident: A Year of Healing and Powerful Lessons

Published

3 months ago

June 9, 2025

Chiraag

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It’s been a year since former Miss South Africa Kerishnie Naiker’s life changed dramatically at Cape Point. The iconic South African beauty queen, who made history as the first Miss SA of Indian descent back in 1997, suffered a sudden fall on the stairs near the Cape Point lighthouse after a distracted tourist tripped her.

The result? Both ankles dislocated, nerve damage to her toes, and a long, challenging road to recovery that saw her temporarily wheelchair bound.

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A Fall That Changed Everything

What started as a simple visit to one of the country’s most beloved tourist spots quickly turned serious. Kerishnie recounts how the tourist, focused on getting the perfect photo, stepped backward on a steep stairway and accidentally tripped her down two steps.

The accident wasn’t just a physical blow. It forced her to slow down, re-evaluate, and approach life with a fresh mindset.

The Hard Road Back

Kerishnie’s recovery journey has been intense – months of therapy, painstaking rehab, and rebuilding strength from scratch. At one point, she estimated having just “28% sports ability” and continues to deal with some lasting nerve damage.

Her reflections, shared candidly on Instagram, reveal a woman not defined by injury but by resilience and adaptability.

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Image 1: Facebook/Kerishnie Naiker

More Than Healing: A Call for Mindfulness

Beyond her personal recovery, Kerishnie uses her platform to send a strong message: it’s vital to stay aware and respectful in shared spaces. She warns of the real dangers of distracted photography, reminding everyone not to put themselves or others at risk for the sake of a photo or reel.

Her words have struck a chord locally, inspiring many to think twice before blindly reaching for their cameras in busy or risky environments.

A Symbol of Strength and Grace

Kerishnie Naiker’s story goes beyond a tale of injury and healing. It’s a reminder to embrace life’s unexpected challenges with grace and a call to be present, kind, and considerate in our fast-paced, camera-obsessed world.

As she continues to regain mobility and strength, her journey inspires countless South Africans, proving that even in hardship, there’s room for growth, awareness, and connection.

In a society that often moves too fast, Kerishnie’s story is a powerful nudge to slow down, look around, and care for ourselves and others – a lesson we all need.