Miss South Africa Top 19 finalist Sanelisiwe Diko wants to make healthcare more accessible

Sanelisiwe Diko, a contestant in the Miss South Africa 2026 competition, aims to improve healthcare accessibility. Her passion stems from personal experience, watching her grandmother struggle with a chronic condition, and recognizing the need for clear health information. Diko pursued a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Rhodes University, driven by a desire to help people navigate the often overwhelming healthcare system.

She realized her role extended beyond dispensing medication, emphasizing the importance of educating and empowering patients. Diko has contributed to outreach initiatives like the Phelophepa Train and Isibhedlele Kubantu campaign, highlighting the demand for accessible, affordable care. She stresses that healthcare education must reach communities, not just medical facilities, to combat misinformation.

Social media, while beneficial, can also spread incorrect health advice, so she encourages young South Africans to verify online information. Diko advocates for a community-focused approach to healthcare, addressing financial, logistical, and stigma-related barriers. She seeks to build trust between healthcare professionals and communities, ensuring people feel supported enough to seek care early.

Through partnerships with healthcare professionals and community organizations, Diko plans to create sustainable healthcare advocacy initiatives, providing practical opportunities for people to engage with healthcare and find necessary support. Her goal is to create a future where access to healthcare is determined by more than just location or financial circumstances.