24-year-old Yuvika Govender was recently crowned Miss Ballito 2024.
A sea freight imports controller based in Shakaskraal, Yuvika entered the pageant to try something new, make new friends and get involved in charity work in her community.
What has the Miss Ballito experience been like so far? What do you hope for the year ahead?
It has been a fun-filled adventure. It was amazing getting to meet all the lovely ladies and to experience the last few months with them. It was definitely an experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone but it made me more confident.
Besides the self-development, it is so rewarding having worked on my own community project, which was a clothing drive. I created drop off points in and around Ballito for people to donate their second-hand kids’ clothing.
For my first donation, I partnered with Indlu Yethemba Place of Safety. They helped me find underprivileged kids in the Etete area and we donated over 25 packs of clothing. I still have many more packs. which I plan on donating in December as a Christmas initiative. Being able to make a difference in my community will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I hope the next year is filled with more community involvement, new endeavours and close-knit relationships with like-minded people. I can’t wait to perform my new role as the current Miss Ballito.
What’s your go-to way to relax and unwind after a busy week of work?
I like to get a lot of sleep after a long and busy week of work! But, with that being said, I cannot let the weekend pass me by. I like to spend my weekends with family and friends, getting out the house and spending quality time with them that I miss during the week.
If you could spend a whole day anywhere on the North Coast, where would it be and what would you do?
This might be a surprising answer but I would spend the day at Townsend Park in Ballito. I would get a picnic mat with a picnic basket filled with all my favourite snacks. I’d also bring along a mini canvas and paint. I love sitting in the park on a busy day watching and meeting all the friendly dogs while also relaxing and painting away. I am no professional painter but it’s so therapeutic.
What’s a book, movie, or song that you absolutely love and feel everyone should experience at least once?
Interstellar is a movie everyone should watch at least once. It’s about astronauts that go into space to find a new home for humans as earth is slowly becoming inhabitable. It dives into interesting topics of family, science and the possible future of earth. It is a thought-provoking and interesting movie that’s good to watch with friends and family.
What’s your favourite local restaurant and what’s your go-to order?
My favourite local restaurant is Yori Oki. I absolutely love Asian cuisine and I am now in love with most of the menu items at Yori Oki. My favourite dish by far is their bao buns. I haven’t tried anything from there that I have not thoroughly enjoyed.
If you could describe your personal style in three words, what would they be?
Chic, colourful, comfortable.
