Verushka Singh handed over her title as Mrs South Africa
Image: Supplied
After a personal and difficult decision, Verushka Singh has stepped down from her title as Mrs South Africa, placing her family responsibilities above the demands of the crown.
Singh, 40, originally from Reservoir Hills and now based in Johannesburg, announced this week that she would relinquish the title following a challenging year marked by her son’s declining health.
Her son, who has special needs, has required increasing care and attention, ultimately forcing Singh to reassess her ability to continue in the high-profile role.
She said her nine-year-old son's condition deteriorated since last year.
"Making this decision was not taken lightly. It was deeply personal and intentional."
She revealed that after her win, new information from her son’s school, and the need to move him, highlighted the extent of the challenges he was facing. Frequent absences due to her official duties began to take a toll.
"There have been a lot of changes that happened with him that I didn't necessarily know going into the pageant. This year has been incredibly difficult especially if I am away. It wasn't the right decision at this point for me to continue.
"I did see that when I was not here, even with support, it wasn't that good for him. I had to make a very difficult decision," she said.
Singh made history during her reign as the first Indian woman to hold the Mrs South Africa title, a milestone she described as an “incredible honour.”
However, she emphasised that the title does not define her.
"It doesn't define me to have that title when something more important needed my attention and focus.
"Being Mrs South Africa was an incredible honour, especially being the first Indian woman and I loved it, but as a mother I knew my son needs me and my attention. When I was not there he would become unwell and he regressed in school. For me to continue in something and go to the international pageant while knowing that this is happening at home didn't feel like something that was aligned with my personal values," said Singh.
She said as a mother she had to make the decision.
"I think most mothers at any point in their lives when you need to step down and do something you make the sacrifices where you need to and you continue."
Despite stepping down, Singh remains resolute in her broader mission.
"I love the country and the impact I want to make in climate change will definitely continue. I don't feel defined by a title, I do feel like everyone is a Miss or Mrs South Africa. You don't need a crown on your head to feel like you are making an impact, or you're a special or valuable person. When family comes first and you need to step away and do something that's incredibly personal and important, then do that," she said.
Singh reflected fondly on her time in the pageant, describing the relationships she built as the highlight of her journey.
"My favourite part was the sisterhood. I made the closest and best friends. Meeting new people and connecting was my highlight."
She said she loved pageants and was inspired and attracted to it from a young age.
"I decided to do something for myself when I entered the pageant. I didn't expect to win. I entered for the journey and sisterhood."
A chemical engineer and climate change strategist, she confirmed she will continue her advocacy work, including through her climate change consultancy focused on reducing carbon emissions and helping organisations adapt to environmental challenges.
"During my reign I had a few speaking opportunities and reached several organisations, helping to spread the message and raise awareness on a more human level," said Singh.
Joani Jacobs, CEO of Mrs South Africa, said Singh carried the title with dedication and professionalism during her time on the platform.
“We respect her decision and support her in prioritising what matters most in this season of her life,” said Jacobs.
In keeping with Mrs South Africa tradition and succession protocol, the first princess, Carika Bebb, has assumed the duties and responsibilities of Mrs South Africa 2026 with immediate effect.