Are you ‘lady’ enough for the title of ‘Miss Ballito 2021’?

If you’re a lady fit to represent the North Coast community and have it in your heart to uplift those in need, Miss Ballito 2021 might just be for you.

Entries have opened for the annual Miss Ballito, a fundraising initiative for Zimbali Rotary, with coordinator Heidie Smith saying that entries have already started coming in.

Entries close on April 20.

“Ladies need to be between the age of 17 and 24, and have a big love for the community. We put each prospective Miss Ballito through a vetting process which is followed by an induction into what it takes to be Miss Ballito,” said Smith.

The induction includes training with life coaches and a variety of other skills set to benefit entrants – according to Heidie, these are skills entrants carry with them for life.

“We seek out young ladies with a heart for the community in a mentorship programme where workshops and community days are organised. Topics include finance management, life coaching, social media etiquette, nutrition and health, self-defense and self-love,” she said.

Miss Ballito is an amazing journey of new friendships, fun activities, growth and learning but most importantly to make a difference and pay it forward.

Funds raised go to Rotary approved charities and from its inception in 2011, over R700 000 has been allocated to charity.

“Being Miss Ballito comes with a lot of responsibility,” said Paige Johnstone, who last year took over the position of Miss Ballito from Juliana Huisamen.

As a former first princess moving on to being crowned Miss Ballito 2020, Johnstone started ‘The Blossom Project’.

The project focused on seeing the homeless and less privileged fed, as well as supporting animal foundations.

Johnstone said she had learned a great deal from her predecessor, Huisamen, from whom she drew a lot of inspiration.

“It is important to be yourself and to let your personality, integrity and commitment to the community shine through. I have loved the experience, although it came at a time when we were under Covid-19 lockdown. The opportunities afforded to me, and the chance to meet and work with some amazing people, I will always remember,” she said, adding that her highlights included working with a local orphanage.

To enter contact coordinator Heidie Smith at missballito.rotaryzimbali@gmail.com.