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, we introduce with the second 5 finalists for 2021.

Catelyn Weston, 22, Ballito.

Administrator at Salt Rock Coffee Company, currently obtaining a training and fitness qualification.

Catelyn has a passion for helping animals and would use her position as Miss Ballito to give back to organisations that take of care of animals in need.

“It took a lot of courage for me to enter Miss Ballito, that in itself was a major motivator for me. I have faced my fears and insecurities by entering and I hope to get the chance to help and inspire others to face their fears and start chasing their dreams.”

Her hobbies include going to the beach and functional training.

Recommends: The Notebook, a film by Nick Cassavetes.

Malindi Swanepoel, 21, Durban.

Administrator and occasional engineer at a shipping company while studying business management online.

Malindi’s father is a marine engineer and she has been working on ship engines from a young age.

Although she works in the office more often, she still likes to go out and be a part of the team in the harbour.

Malindi is campaigning for further support and awareness for the Santa Shoebox project, where underprivileged children receive Christmas gifts.

“I wanted to expand myself as a person and build myself more, while trying something completely new to me. I believe that with me being a curvy model, I will also send a strong message to all females and showing them, you are always enough and nobody should be limiting you.”

Malindi describes herself as an adrenaline junkie with a love for adventure and finding new places and cuisines to try out.

Recommends: Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield.

Cikizwa Aqeelah Vilakazi, 20, Umhlanga.

2nd year student at AFDA, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture Medium with a focus on directing and screenwriting.

Cikizwa has been involved in community work for most of her life, serving on the Durban Youth Council and the Power of 8 while at high school.

She seeks to connect less fortunate communities with tertiary education opportunities, something which they have historically been excluded from.

“After finding out about Miss Ballito and the journey that the finalists embark on, I was really interested in entering. After doing more research I found that the platform focuses and highlights values and moral beliefs that resonate with who I am and the woman that I want to be one day.”

In her spare time, Cikizwa enjoys exercising, reading, baking and experimenting with different hairstyles and makeup ideas.

Recommends: The Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie and Wonder, a film by Stephen Chbosky.

Senalia Hardew, 20, KwaDukuza.

3rd year management marketing student at Boston City Campus.

If given the opportunity, Senalia would focus on organising food, toy and blanket drives for orphanages and old-age homes across the North Coast.

“What drew me to enter miss Ballito pageant is the challenge for me to grow and gain valuable life experiences whilst participating in upliftment programmes. At the same time, we are also able to participate in events designed to give future life skills while having fun and making new friends.”

Senalia loves to be creative, devoting much of her time to arts and crafts, while also trying to be active and adventurous with her friends.

Recommends: The Sky is Pink, a film by Shonali Bose.

Julie Blevin, 17, Ballito.

Matric student at Durban Girls’ College.

Julie has a focus on empowering people through education, working to give better opportunities for those less fortunate.

“The reasons that I entered this fabulous initiative are that we have the opportunity to grow the community, to give back and so that we can inspire others to do so too! I am passionate about growth and development, particularly here on our beautiful North Coast.”

Julie counts going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, playing tennis with her dad, cooking and reading as her favourite leisure activities.

Recommends: Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin and The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh.

ALSO READ: Meet the first 5 of Miss Ballito pageant’s finalists