Shelley does Ballito proud

Miss Ballito Shelley Buckle has the ability to inspire you within five minutes of meeting her.

She will make you giggle with her infectious laugh and bubbly personality.

Shelley was recognised for this inspiration, when she won the KZN Young Achiever’s Award for 2014, at a glitzy ceremony in Durban last month.

“I have no idea who nominated me, so it was a big surprise being told I was a finalist for the award.”

She received her award from Zulu prime minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

“It felt surreal. I was up against other finalists, and thought they would scoop the award as they too, had done amazing community service. When I was called, I even had to say a speech that I was not really prepared for. It was amazing.”

Shelley was born deaf and communicates through lip-reading and sign language, though her speech is so near perfect that this is hard to detect by a hearing person. She said the award makes her proud to be a woman.

“As a female role model, I am proud to achieve something that will hopefully inspire other women to reach for their goals. This achievement is very special to me because I have been trying to bridge the gap between the hearing and deaf, through sign language workshops. I have also been hosting charity events in aid of those less fortunate. This award has only inspired me to carry on giving back to my community, and it is an immense honour to be recognised in KZN as someone who is empowering our youth.”

She plans to use it as a platform to keep inspiring others to give back to the community.

“I want to emphasise that all things are possible, despite a setback or disability.”