Most South Africans know Verushka Singh as the history-making first Indian Mrs South Africa. What many don’t know is the powerful environmental passion guiding her reign – a mission rooted in science, sustainability and her belief that climate action starts at home.
In an exclusive with The South African, Singh opens up about the purpose: blending climate awareness with everyday South African life. While most pageant queens predominantly focus on charity work, Singh is pushing something far more unexpected: a climate-minded mission grounded in nature, community and practical action.
Verushka Singh: Where beauty meets climate action
Most pageant winners focus on charity platforms. Our newly crowned Mrs South Africa will focus on systems, science, and soul. Through her initiative, Climate Axis, she’s building a bridge between the world of engineering insights and the real-life experiences of everyday South Africans. It is a platform where science meets the human experience, she explains.
Climate Axis offers climate strategy, resilience planning, and sustainability guidance. It is also a space where women and communities learn to reclaim purpose, confidence and wellbeing.
Her goal is to turn overwhelming global climate issues into something people can genuinely feel and connect to.
The mission: Bringing sustainability down to earth
One of Singh’s key goals as Mrs South Africa is to start national conversations about sustainability. To her, sustainability is not policy or theory, but something that affects our families, our health and our future.
And she believes sustainable living should feel achievable, not overwhelming.
“Through education, community engagement, and partnerships, I want to inspire simple, meaningful actions that create long-term positive change.”
Singh hopes to encourage South Africans to adopt eco-friendly habits that feel realistic rather than overwhelming.
If she could pass one policy…
Singh doesn’t hesitate: a national renewable clean-energy and energy-efficient acceleration mandate, especially for underserved communities.
“Clean energy doesn’t just reduce emissions; it enables education, safety, small business development, and overall well-being,” she explained.
For her, renewable energy in South Africa is not just a climate strategy, but community upliftment.
Animals, curiosity and nature
Long before she became Mrs SA – before the leadership training and the advocacy – Singh was simply a little girl who loved animals.
Her childhood fascination with wildlife blossomed into an interest in ecosystems, and eventually into a passion for understanding how human decisions shape the natural world.
Meeting environmental icons like Al Gore, whose documentary shaped her early understanding of climate change, or Sir David Attenborough, would be a dream come true.
The balancing act
Between pageant duties, climate projects and media appearances, Singh’s schedule is intense, but she stays grounded through motherhood.
“Everything I do is ultimately for a future where my son can thrive,” she says.
Quiet moments with her son Zach, nature walks, meditation and intentional family time help her recharge. On weekends, you’ll find them exploring Johannesburg’s green spaces, reconnecting with nature.
Her biggest myth-busting mission
Singh wants to break one of the biggest misconceptions in sustainability: that individual actions don’t matter.
“Change is built one choice at a time. Start with simple, doable habits: reducing waste, being mindful consumers, saving energy, and supporting local.”
Singh explains that she intends to lead by example and share practical steps as she deepens her work in this space.
What’s next for Mrs South Africa?
Workshops, speaking engagements, community outreach, storytelling, and using her Mrs South Africa platform to start meaningful sustainability conversations.
For our new Mrs South Africa Verushka Singh, climate action is personal, emotional, and rooted in her identity as a mother, engineer and South African woman.
