It’s been a year since Kerishnie Naiker, the former Miss South Africa, faced what she now calls one of the most challenging experiences of her life.

But instead of focusing on blame or bitterness, she’s taken this painful chapter and turned it into something deeply reflective — and surprisingly empowering.

The 51-year-old beauty queen, who made history in 1997 as the first South African of Indian descent to win the crown, recently shared her thoughts online as she looked back on her freak accident at Cape Point last May.

A Split Second That Changed Everything

While on a visit to the iconic Cape Point tourist site, Kerishnie was walking down the steep stairs from the lighthouse when a tourist, distracted by her phone while trying to snap the perfect selfie, accidentally backed into her.

That seemingly innocent moment led to a devastating fall.

Kerishnie fell down two stairs and ended up dislocating both of her ankles.

The injuries were so severe that she was left temporarily wheelchair-bound and had to undergo months of intensive rehab to even begin walking again.

Her Recovery Wasn’t Just Physical

Over the weekend, Kerishnie opened up in an emotional Instagram post.

She shared footage from her time in the hospital and detailed how far she’s come — both physically and mentally.

“Adaptability is an art and an advantage,” she wrote.

And even more impressively, she made it clear that her focus has never been on the “selfie-addicted” tourist who caused the fall.

Instead, she’s chosen to pour her energy into healing, rehabilitation, and building resilience.

Earlier this month, she revealed that her sports ability currently sits at just 28%, and she continues to suffer from nerve damage in her toes.

But she’s not letting that define her.

A Wake-Up Call to Everyone with a Smartphone

Kerishnie is using her platform to share a bigger message — one that goes far beyond her own injury.

She wants people to realize the real dangers of being distracted by devices, especially in public places.

“Too many are dying while taking selfies and recording reels,” she said.

“Others are getting injured and killed by their negligence.”

She urged her followers to be more mindful when taking photos and offered some heartfelt advice:

Don’t take pictures at the expense of your safety or someone else’s
Be aware of your surroundings and don’t zone out behind a lens
Enjoy the moment fully, with your own eyes, not just your camera
Always stay kind, observant, and considerate of the people around you

Looking Ahead with Strength and Gratitude

Even with her limitations, Kerishnie’s spirit remains strong.

She’s grateful for the progress she’s made and optimistic about what lies ahead.

Whether she fully recovers or not, she’s already come a long way — and she’s determined to keep going.

If anything, her story is a reminder that strength isn’t just about walking again — sometimes it’s about how you choose to move forward when life knocks you down.