Every year, the Zimbali Rotary Club hosts the Miss Ballito competition in search of an ambassador for our community. We chatted to the eight finalists about what they hope to achieve through the programme…
MICHELLE NXUMALO, 20, SECRETARY
“As a Miss Ballito finalist, I am hoping to make a difference and help as many communities as I possibly can. I would dedicate my whole self, my love for the children and communities and my voice to try and uplift, empower and educate people.”
SHAYE CALDICOTT, 18, UNIVERSITY STUDENT
“I hope to make a meaningful difference to everyone in the Ballito community and strive to help as many people and children that I can through the initiative. I see Miss Ballito as such an amazing opportunity to reach out to the people in need in our community and truly make a difference in their lives.”
HANÉ VAN DER MERWE, 18, MATRIC STUDENT
“Helping neglected communities is my main objective with Miss Ballito and my goal is to help an institution that I am involved with, St Luke’s Home of Healing.
I want to use my platform to have an impact on the young people in my community and to inspire women to venture outside their comfort zones, grow as individuals and try new things.”
LINDIWE KHUMALO, 24, WAITRESS AND PART-TIME STUDENT
“Apart from personal growth and development, I would like to champion for the betterment of education, especially in the less fortunate communities in and around the Dolphin Coast with the hope of branching out of the Dolphin Coast if the means allow. I would also like to raise awareness of the importance of reading and verbal expression, especially in primary schools.”
FIKILE LONDIWE NDUNAKAZI, 20, RADIO PRESENTER
“I have entered this competition because I believe in myself and I love children. I want to learn new things and meet new people. I want to experience personal growth so that my modelling journey will grow. I want to be able to help the community.”
CHLOE CRAIG, 22, FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER
“Through Miss Ballito, I hope to learn a lot more about the many factors that affect this community. With Rotary and Rotaract being involved in multiple projects, I’m excited to embark on this journey. I also hope to integrate into this community by meeting new people, making connections, and building a strong bond with the girls and my sponsors.”
KAYLA CLEMINSHAW, 22, DRAUGHTSWOMAN
“I am passionate about helping people and the environment and I never knew how to take that step to actually make a difference. I hope the Miss Ballito pageant can teach me how, and in doing that maybe I can teach more people my age to get involved in helping our local communities.”
BETH GREEN, 19, AU PAIR
“I hope as a Miss Ballito finalist to set an example to others and encourage them to share kindness and give back to the community. The smallest act of generosity can impact someone’s life greatly. I also want to show that stepping out of my comfort zone has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done and I hope to inspire others to do the same.”
FIND OUT MORE
Miss Ballito is a fundraising initiative organised by the Rotary Club of Zimbali with the goal of empowering young women, raising funds for charity and contributing to community upliftment. The finalists undergo a mentorship programme that includes finance management, life coaching, social media etiquette, nutrition and health. They also take part in photoshoots and community events, and seek out sponsors to contribute to various charities.
Details: www.missballito.co.za, @missballito
Photographs: Barry Bowditch
