Local attorney is Mr India SA finalist
Top ten finalist for Mr India South Africa, Samuel Thaver (31), wants to be the best version of himself. Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, the attorney is also studying toward his post graduate degree.
For Thaver, the pageant so far is helping him find a balance in all aspects of his life and to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I have always challenged myself and pushed to be the best person I could be. This characteristic has brought me much success, from representing South Africa at the United Nations and becoming an attorney.
“Whilst the Mr India South Africa competition grooms businessmen and diplomats, it pushes an individual beyond his limits and helps them find balance in all aspects of life. In addition, it helps to make a difference in issues affecting communities. While I try to make a difference in my small circles, I hope that this competition allows me to make a difference on a larger scale,” said Thaver.
He added that the contest is not a beauty contest, but rather a program to develop young future leaders. Thaver said he has gained vast knowledge from the pre-event period of the competition.
“It has been an amazing learning experience. Meeting the other ten finalists and learning from their perspectives has been incredible. Also, the knowledge imparted by our trainer and producer of the show, Danny Moodliar, is immeasurable. In fact, I wish the pre-event period did not have to end,” said Thaver.
Thaver is already involved in assisting communities and aims to help single parent households to recover following the economic effects of COVID-19.
“The impact that COVID-19 has had on our already weakened communities has been devastating. Families did not have food and people were retrenched. My aim is to use this platform to assist families, especially single parent households, to get back onto their feet. I have been actively involved in hamper drives and providing resources to homes in need. Through the competition and the partnerships that I am making, I want to help with skills development in communities and broaden the outreach I am already doing,” said Thaver.
He loves spending time with family and experiencing the diverse cultures of South Africa.
“My hobbies include dancing, cooking and travelling. I enjoy learning about and experiencing other cultures’ ways of life. Family is a pivotal part of my life and spending time with family, be it watching a movie or taking a trip to explore our beautiful country,” said Thaver.
Thaver’s upbringing was pivotal in providing him with a foundation to care for others.
“Ever since a young age, we were always fostered with the notion that we should always help those who are going through a difficult time. Believing in the teachings of Satya Sai Baba - the hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray - I am actively involved in our local temples and feeding schemes. I try to get involved with as many hamper drives as possible, joining hands to make partnerships, yield successes and bring relief to our less fortunate community members,” he said.
The Kharina Secondary
School matriculant, who also hosts dance classes for children, encourages the youth to also get involved in other pageants and to follow their dreams.
“Many young people have dreams and aspirations that others may deem not worthy. I would like to show the youth that one must never give up on their dreams and persevere towards them. They may not come true at first, but with perseverance and hard work anything is possible. One must just continue to believe,” he said.