First Miss Ballito Teen and Pre-Teen crowned
As with the original Miss Ballito competition, the finalists spent months before the crowning event growing as young women through bespoke programmes and giving back to their communities.
The inaugural winners of the Miss Ballito Teen and Pre-Teen pageants were crowned at a packed FreedomHouse Church at the weekend.
A new addition under the Miss Ballito umbrella this year, the teen section comprised girls aged 15-17, with the pre-teen pageant allowing entries for those aged 12-14.
Fifteen-year-old Emily Arthur was inaugurated as Miss Ballito Teen, with 12-year-old Fanele Sibaya becoming the first Miss Ballito Pre-Teen winner.
Both spoke eloquently at the question and answer session, impressing the judges with their confidence and poise at such young ages.
Sphile Kubone (15) and Siphosami Lushaba (16) finished as first and second princess in the teen section, while Amber Pillay (13) and Nozibusiso Mthiyane (14) mirrored them in the pre-teen category.
As with the original Miss Ballito competition, the finalists spent months before the crowning event growing as young women through bespoke programmes and giving back to their communities.
During this period, they were also judged at various points and those scores went towards the finals.
“This was a trial run for us and took lots of brainstorming and many hours to bring to fruition,” said Miss Ballito co-ordinator, Heidie Smith.
With many of the programmes running parallel to the main Miss Ballito competition, which concluded just a few weeks ago, it was an impressive display from Smith and co-organiser, Karen Landman.
“We really tried to focus on the empowerment part as that is where the magic happens and hopefully results in the change we want to see in our communities. The first year is always the hardest, but we have grown in the process and look forward to an even bigger and better year in 2023,” she said.
Other winners on the day were those who garnered the most support on Facebook and Instagram, as well as the biggest fundraisers in each category.
Kubone was the Facebook winner, with Lushaba taking home the Instagram honours.
Miss Teen Philanthropic also went to Kubone, while Megan Stacey (12) claimed the Miss Pre-Teen Philanthropic title.
A portion of the funds raised from the event goes towards the Zimbali Rotary Club.
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