The Miss Ballito competition is returning this year with 10 fresh-faced and enthusiastic entrants.

The fundraising initiative for Zimbali Rotary looks at not only the appearance but also the heart, looking for a young woman who will dig deep to raise funds for charity during the year she holds the title.

In no particular order, this week we introduce the first 5 finalists for 2021, continuing next week with 5 more.

Candice Lee Parasgan Doorasamy, 18, Shakaskraal.

Matric student at North Coast Agricultural College in Shakaskraal.

Candice has been touched by the work of Summerhill House orphanage in Etete and would devote her attention towards helping to raise funding and support for the cause.

“I entered Miss Ballito to become brave and learn new things. Most importantly, I want to become an inspiration to young girls out there and show the world how I can make a difference in the community.”

Her hobbies include dancing, singing, cooking and cleaning.

Recommends: The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama.

Megan Lane, 19, Ballito.

Qualified Slimming and Health Therapist with film academy qualifications in directing, screen writing, SFX makeup, camera operation and production.

Megan is originally from Gauteng but now lives in Ballito, trying to make a difference by raising awareness, support and funding for Autism which affects a family member.

“By having a voice through the Miss Ballito pageant, I hope to be able to educate, encourage, gain exposure and awareness and to give a voice to those who may not have one.”

She aims to help people better themselves through her health qualifications while finding time to be behind and in front of the camera.

Recommends: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

Samkelisiwe Cele, 19, Ballito.

Volunteer at Sinosizo, an NGO in Velani Township, Etete.

Samkelisiwe is passionate about giving back, with a particular focus on helping children.

“I love working with kids and helping them find themselves through me, so they will grow to know and acknowledge one another with respect. I believe that I can bring a lot of change in Etete and be able to realise all the dreams that I have for these kids.”

Recommends: The Jury by Steve Martini.

Jessica-Lee Marcus, 21, Umhlanga.

Works in communications and graphic design, also runs her own online business.

Jessica-Lee is an animal enthusiast and loves to volunteer at Safe Haven.

She would like to use her platform to help animals in need.

She is also a social activist.

“I want to be a voice for anybody who has ever suffered from bullying. I have struggled my whole high school career myself. I know if I had somebody to be a voice for me, it would have made all the difference.”

In her sparse free time, Jessica-Lee enjoys painting, dancing, walking her dogs, playing Fortnite and spending time with those she loves most.

Recommends: The YUSA Guide to Balance, Mind, Body and Spirit.

Sibahle Makhanya, 21, Ballito.

Marketing management student, currently finishing an N5 qualification.

Sibahle loves helping children to become the best version of themselves and would focus on orphanage outreach given the chance.

“I joined Miss Ballito because it is not just a beauty pageant. I have learnt that by joining it, I would be given an opportunity to become an ambassador within the local community to make a difference in the lives of others who are less fortunate.”

If Sibahle is not on the netball court training for upcoming games, you can find her at home reading fashion magazines or working on her photography.

Recommends: Othello by William Shakespeare.