Kerishnie Naiker shares inspiring recovery journey following a tragic accident

Image via Instagram @kerishnie_naiker

In a powerful display of resilience and hope, Kerishnie Naiker, Miss South Africa 1997, has opened up about her inspiring recovery journey following a life-altering accident caused by a negligent tourist. The incident, which occurred in May 2024 at the breathtaking Cape Point, marked the beginning of a challenging yet transformative phase in her life.

Naiker was navigating the stairs leading to the iconic lighthouse when she was unexpectedly tripped by a tourist engrossed in capturing the perfect photograph. The tourist, attempting to backtrack for a better angle, inadvertently caused Naiker to tumble down two steps, resulting in serious injuries.

In an Instagram post reflecting on the ordeal, she described the harrowing moment: “While on stairs from the lighthouse at Cape Point, she walked backwards into me, tripping me down two steps. She tried to get the lighthouse in focus and took one step too far… I’m thankful that I did not injure my head and remained compos mentis to get @netcare911 to favourably intervene. I did incur a serious injury,” she shared.

Following the accident, Naiker underwent surgery on both legs and embarked on a months-long journey of rehabilitation, relearning how to walk. It has been a strenuous path filled with physical and emotional challenges, but she remains determined. One year later, Naiker celebrated a significant milestone by sharing an emotional video of herself wheeling out of the rehabilitation centre, a poignant reminder of how far she has come.

She captioned the post: “Exactly a year later to the day, I began another major chapter, while physio and recovery continue. Adaptability is an art and an advantage. Ever grateful for the love and support.”

Throughout her recovery, Naiker has focused on positivity and healing, choosing not to dwell on the actions of the “negligent, selfie-addicted tourist”. Instead, her emphasis has been on solution-driven thinking and personal growth.

She added: “The focus has not once been on the negligent, selfie-addicted tourist, rather being solution-driven and healing.”

Naiker’s journey not only serves as a testament to her strength and tenacity but also highlights the broader theme of self-care and resilience. Her story has inspired many and sparked discussions about personal responsibility in public spaces, especially as social media continues to encourage increasingly reckless behaviour in the pursuit of the perfect shot.