Ballito’s Zara Ramautar was named Miss Ballito Teen 2025 at a glamorous crowning event at the Lyric Lounge Theatre last week.

Nine impressive young ladies took to the stage on Saturday evening, wowing judges with their poise, intelligence and elegance. It was 17-year-old Zara, a Grade 11 pupil at Ashton International College Ballito, who reigned supreme however, adding her name to an illustrious list of previous winners in the various Miss Ballito pageants.

“Winning Miss Ballito Teen feels absolutely surreal. I’m so grateful and honoured to have received this title,” said Zara.

“The entire journey has been an incredible experience filled with growth, confidence, and purpose. Going forward, I plan to use this platform to make a positive difference in my community by supporting local initiatives and encouraging other young people to believe in themselves. I’m really excited for what’s ahead.”

Zara hopes to become a doctor and said she tries to live by Princess Diana’s ethos to “carry out random acts of kindness with no expectation of reward.”

She also thanked her sponsors, BMW Ballito, IPSS Ballito, Total Energies Umhlali and Iyaku Transport, as well as her parents, family and friends for their constant support.

Joining her on stage were 1st Princess Nikita Samuelson, a 14-year-old Reddam House Ballito pupil who dreams of a career in oncology and 2nd Princess Jaime Morrow, a 15-year-old Ashton pupil who hopes to study gynaecology. Both impressed the judges with their confidence and compassion.

Before the big night, all finalists took part in outreach projects and personal development programmes that encouraged them to grow and give back to their communities.

Event organiser Heidie Smith, speaking on behalf of the Miss Ballito committee and the Rotary Club of Zimbali, thanked sponsors and the community for their continued support.

“Once again, the community has stepped up to empower youth and make a difference. A special thank you to our current Miss Ballito, Yuvika Govender, for her exceptional dedication, and to all guests who made the evening so special,” said Smith.

She added that preparations for Miss Ballito 2026 are already underway, with a new chapter, Mrs Ballito, set to open for entries in January.

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