Being crowned Miss Ballito is about more than just being the prettiest girl in town. It’s about having a heart for the community and being willing to go the extra mile for those in need. We’d like to introduce you to this year’s contestants . . .
Albertina Sibiya, 22, Stanger
Second year medical secretary student at Springfield College.
1. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? I would say my smile and my positive outlook on life.
2. Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I hope to be working in the health department and making a change in my community.
3. What do you love about living on the North Coast? I love living close to the beach.
Chanelle Erwee, 17, Durban North
Finishing matric while doing part time promotional work.
1. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? My passion for the environment and determination to make a difference in this regard.
2. If you had to change one thing about yourself, what would it be, and why? I’d like to manage my time better so I would be able to give back more to the community.
3. Where do you see yourself in five years? I would like to complete my bachelors of arts in the field of drama and film to prepare myself for a successful career in directing and acting.
Juliana Huisamen, 18, Ballito
Julia is currently in her matric year.
1. Where do you see yourself in five years? I have been accepteda to university to study Law, so in five years’ time I hope to have completed my Law degree.
2. I can’t live without… my loved ones, the ocean and my toothbrush.
3. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? Everyone is unique and special in their own way, but my strong points are my ability to make friends easily and my zest for life.
Charmaine Age, 18, Ballito
Finishing her matric year
1. Where do you see yourself in five years? Studying child psychology and using my skills to help empower the youth, especially kids with special needs and learning disabilities.
2. If you had to change one thing about yourself, what would it be, and why? I would like to be even more focused and more powerful to be able to help all those in need.
3. What do you love most about living on the North Coast? I like going to the beach, meeting new people, socialising with the people within my community and I also like going shopping!
Madison Jane Yuille, 17, Salt Rock
Finishing her matric year
1. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? I think my motivation, drive and enthusiasm for women empowerment. I am independent and motivated to reach my goals.
2. Where do you see yourself in five years? Having completed a degree and hopefully travelling and spreading my passion for life and women empowerment.
3. What do you love about living on the North Coast? The genuine nature of Ballito people. Everyone seems to know everyone and the people love to motivate each other and bring each other up rather than bringing each other down.
Jamie-Lee Kallman, 21, Ballito
Working at a travel agency
1. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? The fact that I am a big nature lover and my aim is to save animals and help the environment.
2. Where do you see yourself in five years? Owning an animal sanctuary where I can give a loving home to all abandoned animals and hopefully re-home them.
3. If you had to change one thing about yourself, what would it be, and why? The fact that I am a shy person. If I could change that, I would have enough confidence to speak up and make more changes in the environment and the community.
Kristen Stegen, 22, Ballito
Au pair and works part time at a beauty salon.
1. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? I’ve lived on the North Coast my whole life and grew up riding quad bikes and playing soccer with the kids on the farm. I’m passionate about animals, children, and nature and I’m not scared to get my hands dirty!
2. I can’t live without . . .God, my family and partner and my dogs (and of course food!).
3. Where do you see yourself in five years? I hope to be a qualified teacher with a job that I love and to be engaged or married to my boyfriend, living on a farm close to the sea!
Jenae Christine Govindasamy, 24, Shakaskraal
Currently working at Zimbali
1. Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m already an independent woman, but I’d like to finish my physiotherapy studies and have my own business, house and car. I would also like to start a rehabilitation centre to help youngsters.
2. I can’t live without . . . Jesus, my family and my boyfriend.
3. What do you love most about living on the North Coast? I think the natural environment. I once read that if you ever want to look at God, you should look at nature.
Paige Johnstone, 21,Durban North
Third year Interior Design student at Vega.
1. Where do you see yourself in five years? I would like to have explored the world and experienced different cultures and people and would have started a charity project called ‘Blossom’, which I intend to grow in order to help more people.
2. I can’t live without . . . my family and friends, my downtime and a bowl of my favourite Thai Green Chicken Curry.
3. If you had to change one thing about yourself, what would it be, and why? I am comfortable with who I am, but I am always looking to grow and better myself in all facets of my life. I do need to learn not be so hard on myself.
Slindile Mndaweni, 22, Tongaat
Works at Tsebo Cleaning Service
1. What sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant? My personality. I am soft hearted and always lend a helping hand. My heritage has moulded me to be the person that I am.
2. What do you love most about living on the North Coast? I appreciate the diversity we have in this area.
3. I can’t live without . . .books (I love reading), my family and working out at gym.
