A new Paige for Miss Ballito 2020

Hopes and excitement were high for the annual election of Miss Ballito 2020, but these were dashed when lockdown started earlier this year.

Entries had opened in January and planning for all the events and charity drives had started with sponsors more than eager to hop onboard.

But as Miss Ballito coordinator, Heidie Smith puts it, things changed and they had to adapt to ensure Miss Ballito – the main fundraiser for Rotary Zimbali – lived on.

“After everything was put on hold no funds were raised and we had to look at postponing everything until 2021. For Rotary and all our other charities that benefit from this initiative, it has been a huge loss,” said Smith, who said that while the pageant had been cancelled, Miss Ballito must go on.

With the reign of 2019 winner Juliana Huisamen coming to an end the title has gone to one deserving of such responsibility, next in line for the crown, 1st princess Paige Johnstone.

“Being Miss Ballito comes with a lot of responsibility,” said Johnstone, who is eager to take on the title and the challenges which come with it.

During the 2019 Miss Ballito pageant, Johnstone started ‘The Blossom Project’. With a focus on ‘planting a seed, helping people to grow and to make a difference’, Johnstone said such an initiative was needed now more than ever.

In the past, Johnstone said The Blossom Project has seen homeless people fed, animal foundations supported and a teddy bear picnic in support of local baby homes.
Johnstone said she had also learned a great deal from her predecessor.

“We have had great role models to look up to. Juliana focused on boosting the confidence and self-worth of people she was trying to help.”

Huisamen also thanked the Miss Ballito committee and Zimbali Rotary Club for their support and commitment.

“I have met lots of new people and many doors have opened for me and I would strongly advise all young ladies from the age of 17 to enter Miss Ballito now, and to start preparing themselves for an inspiring journey.”

In the meantime, the Miss Ballito organisation will continue to focus on food and blanket drives, soup kitchens and ‘lending a hand wherever there is a need’.

Funds raised go to Rotary approved charities, including The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund, and from its inception in 2011 more than R800 000 has been donated.

Entries for Miss Ballito 2021 remain open until January.

For more information, email missballito.rotaryzimbali@gmail.com.

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