So much more than a pageant, Miss Ballito is a Rotary Zimbali fundraising initiative to empower young women, raise funds for charity and uplift the less fortunate in our community. We got to know this year’s top ten finalists…
ALEXIA MINNIE – Alexia grew up on a farm in Rustenburg before moving to Ballito in 2021. She is currently on a gap year and enjoys crocheting and learning about South African wildlife. Inspired by the community-focused aspect of Miss Ballito, she hopes to use the platform to promote animal welfare and environmental conservation. In her free time, Alexia enjoys watching KDramas, which have sparked her interest in the Korean language and romance. Alexia is dressed by Muze.
YUVIKA GOVENDER comes from Zululand and recently moved to the Dolphin Coast. With a bachelor’s and honours degree in supply chain management, she works as a sea freight imports controller. Yuvika is inspired by the charity aspect of Miss Ballito and aims to use the platform to support underprivileged youth. She enjoys spending time with family, creative outings like going to the theatre, and is passionate about helping children with difficult backgrounds. Yuvika is dressed by Beach & Beyond.
ANNABELLA PILLAY hails from Etete. She’s taking a gap year and works at PNA. She enjoys dancing and writing fiction. Inspired by the community aspect of Miss Ballito, she wants to advocate against child abuse and support neglected children. Annabella values the friendships she has formed with other finalists and appreciates their unique qualities. Annabella is dressed by Holiday.
CARA NIGRINI, from Blythdale Beach, is an entrepreneur who sells homemade treats at the Ballito Farmers Market and leads a project for gender-based violence survivors at the Umhlali police station. She has also started a project called “Let’s Be Random” which encourages others to perform random acts of kindness for a happier community. Joining Miss Ballito to build confidence and continue her charitable work, Cara enjoys the support and camaraderie of her fellow finalists. Cara is dressed by Big Blue.
GABRIELLA FERREIRA – Originally from Johannesburg, Gabriella has lived in Ballito for 10 years. She is studying digital marketing and interning at Maraschino Marketing Collective. Inspired by friends’ experiences with Miss Ballito, Gabriella joined to boost her self-confidence and engage in community service. She loves social activities, including beach outings and markets, and values the opportunity to connect with others through the pageant. Gabriella is dressed by Holiday.
CHANÉ VAN DER WESTHUIZEN – Chané has lived in Ballito most of her life and is an English teacher. Passionate about helping children, she aims to volunteer at children’s homes to support their education and personal development. Chané joined Miss Ballito to give back, challenge herself, and make new friends. She enjoys beach outings, travel and spending time with loved ones. Chané is dressed by Big Blue.
GEORGIA DE PONSELLE – Georgia recently moved to Ballito from Johannesburg and is currently completing matric through online schooling. She enjoys beach outings, morning runs, reading, and creating art. Georgia joined Miss Ballito to step out of her comfort zone, socialise and give back to the community through various projects, particularly those focused on marine conservation. Georgia is dressed by Castaway Love.
KHETHIWE DHLAMINI –Khethiwe, a biomedical scientist originally from Soweto, is now based in Stanger. Passionate about finding a cure for cancer and making a difference in communities, Khethiwe enjoys exploring new places and adventures. She joined Miss Ballito to continue her charitable activities and aspires to start a youth development programme to support children in disadvantaged communities. Khetiwe is dressed by Muze.
KWANELE KHOZA– Kwanele is an entrepreneur from Richard’s Bay who recently moved to Salt Rock. She founded K Beauty lashes and directs an NPO for orphaned and underprivileged children. Inspired by the community service aspect of Miss Ballito, Kwanele aims to apply her knowledge in childcare and charity work. She enjoys cooking, a skill she taught herself in Grade 4. Kwanele is dressed by Beach & Beyond.
TIARAH THANAPALAN – Tiarah lives in Stanger and works as an administrator in Salt Rock. She is also pursuing studies in cabin crew work. Tiarah loves trying out new activities and joined Miss Ballito to build her self-confidence, uplift young women and give back to the community. She has enjoyed making new friends through this experience and is passionate about improving the welfare of stray animals. As a Miss Ballito finalist, she aims to rescue stray animals and ensure they receive the respect and care they deserve.
Tiarah is dressed by Castaway Love.
Text: Jennifer Campbell Photographs: Barry Bowditch & Colleen Willis
Location: Ballito Lifestyle Centre
