Black ties and ball gowns at Miss Ballito crowning evening

Ball gowns and black ties will fill the Simbithi Country Club on Friday, July 5 at the prestigious 2019 Miss Ballito crowning evening.

The lavish affair will see the top 10 finalists vie for the glittering crown, which is currently worn by 2018 Miss Ballito, Milan Dhaniram.

Founded in 2011, Miss Ballito is a Zimbali Rotary initiative aimed at empowering young women, raising funds for charity and uplifting the less fortunate.

Over the last few weeks each of the finalists have taken part in mentorship programmes and workshops, learning about social media etiquette, nutrition and health, self-defense and self-love.

They have also been involved in charity work, each taking on a community project close to their heart – be it youth development, animal welfare or community upliftment.

The crowning evening will be a culmination of the ladies’ busy few weeks, with the grand winner walking away with the crown and the prestigious title of Miss Ballito 2019.

Tickets for the glamorous event are R450 per person and will include entertainment and a three course meal. Tickets must be presented for entry.

Dress code is formal and the event will begin at 7pm sharp.

For more details email missballito.rotaryzimbali@gmail.com

Meet the contestants!

Albertina Sibiya, 22, Stanger

Second year medical secretary student at Springfield College.

1. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? I would say my smile my positive outlook on life.
2. Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I hope to be working in the health department and making a change in my community.
3. What do you love about living on the North Coast? I love living close to the beach.

Chanelle Erwee, 17, Durban North

Finishing matric while doing part time promotional work.

1. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? My passion for the environment and determination to make a difference in this regard.
2. If you had to change one thing about yourself, what would it be, and why? I’d like to manage my time better so I would be able to give back more to the community.
3. Where do you see yourself in five years? I would like to complete my bachelors of art in the field of drama and film to prepare myself for a successful career in directing and acting.

Juliana Huisamen, 18, Ballito

Julia is currently in her matric year.

1. Where do you see yourself in five years? I have been accepted to university to study Law, so in five years’ time I hope to have completed my Law degree.
2. I can’t live without . . . my loved ones, the ocean and my toothbrush.
3. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? Everyone is unique and special in their own way, but my strong points are my ability to make friends easily and my zest for life.

Charmaine Samuel, 18, Ballito

Finishing her matric year

1. Where do you see yourself in five years? Studying child psychology and using my skills to help empower the youth, especially kids with special needs and learning disabilities.
2. If you had to change one thing about yourself, what would it be, and why? I would like to be even more focused and more powerful to be able to help all those in need.
3. What do you love most about living on the North Coast? I like going to the beach, meeting new people, socializing with the people within my community and I also like going shopping!

Madison Jane Yuille, 17, Salt Rock

Finishing her matric year

1. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? I think my motivation, drive and enthusiasm for women empowerment. I am independent and motivated to reach my goals.
2. Where do you see yourself in five years? Having completed a degree and hopefully travelling and spreading my passion for life and women empowerment.
3. What do you love about living on the North Coast? The genuine nature of Ballito people. Everyone seems to know everyone and the people love to motivate each other and bring each other up rather than bringing each other down.

Jamie-Lee Kallman, 21, Ballito

Working at a travel agency

1. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? The fact that I am a big nature lover and my aim is to save animals and help the environment.
2. Where do you see yourself in five years? Owning an animal sanctuary where I can give a loving home to all abandoned animals and hopefully re-home them.
3. If you had to change one thing about yourself, what would it be, and why? The fact that I am a shy person. If I could change that, I would have enough confidence to speak up and make more changes in the environment and the community.

Kristen Stegen, 22, Ballito.

Au pair and works part time at a beauty salon.

1. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? I’ve lived on the North Coast my whole life and grew up riding quadbikes and playing soccer with the kids on the farm. I’m passionate about animals, children, and nature and I’m not scared to get my hands dirty!
2. I can’t live without . . .God, my family and partner and my dogs (and of course food!).
3. Where do you see yourself in five years? I hope to be a qualified teacher with a job that I love and to be engaged or married to my boyfriend, living on a farm close to the sea!

Jenae Christine Govindasamy, 24, Shakaskraal

Currently working at Zimbali

1. Where do you see yourself in five years? I’m already an independent woman, but I’d like to finish my studies physiotherapy and have my own business, house and car. I would also like to start a rehabilitation centre to help youngsters.
2. I can’t live without . . . Jesus, my family and my boyfriend.
3. What do you love most about living on the North Coast? I think the natural environment. I once read that if you ever want to look at God, you should look at nature.

Paige Johnstone, 21,Durban North

Third year Interior Design student at Vega.

1. Where do you see yourself in five years? I would like to have explored the world and experienced different cultures and people and would have started a charity project called ‘Blossom’, which I intend to grow in order to help more people.
2. I can’t live without . . . my family and friends, my downtime and a bowl of my favourite Thai Green Chicken Curry.
3. If you had to change one thing about yourself, what would it be, and why? I am comfortable with who I am, but I am always looking to grow and better myself in all facets of my life. I do need to learn not be so hard on myself.

Slindile Mndaweni, 22, Tongaat

Works at Tsebo Cleaning Service

1. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? My personality. I am soft hearted and always lend a helping hand. My heritage has moulded me to be the person that I am.
2. What do you love most about living on the North Coast? I appreciate the diversity we have in this area.
3. I can’t live without . . .books (I love reading), my family and working out at gym.