Beauty with purpose takes centre stage as the Miss Ballito finalists prepare to compete for the crown next month. We caught up with six inspiring young women to find out what drives them and which dreams they’re chasing beyond the pageant.
Karuna Eraman, 24
Law graduate and legal intern
What inspired you to enter Miss Ballito?
The heart behind the crown. I’ve always loved giving back through charity work and Miss Ballito is about so much more than beauty. It’s an opportunity to raise funds for worthy causes, support our community and make a real difference on the North Coast.
Describe yourself in three words.
Confident. Compassionate. Charismatic.
Favourite place on the North Coast?
Willard Beach holds special memories of beach clean-ups with my mum when I was younger.
What’s your biggest dream?
To launch Karuna Cares, a project that hosts monthly charity and fundraising events for safe houses, schools, orphanages and senior citizens’ clubs across the North Coast.
Kyleen Donnel Govender, 20
Interior Design student at Vega
What inspired you to enter Miss Ballito?
I wanted to challenge myself, build my confidence and represent the beautiful North Coast. It’s a platform that empowers young women to grow while making a positive impact.
Describe yourself in three words.
Ambitious. Compassionate. Resilient.
Favourite place on the North Coast?
Ballito beach. I love the peaceful atmosphere, beautiful ocean views and the sense of calm I feel there.
What’s your biggest dream?
To own a vineyard in Cape Town that combines my love of design, creativity and hospitality. I also dream of becoming a Victoria’s Secret model and inspiring confidence in others.
Bongeka Ngubane, 27
Sociology graduate and aspiring model
What inspired you to enter Miss Ballito?
I wanted to begin my modelling journey while proudly representing the North Coast and showing young girls that their dreams are valid.
Describe yourself in three words.
Resilient. Elegant. Purpose-driven.
Favourite place on the North Coast?
Zimbali. Its peaceful beauty reflects the elegance I aspire to represent.
What’s your biggest dream?
To become an internationally recognised model who celebrates South African beauty and culture while inspiring the next generation.
What is Miss Ballito all about?
More than a beauty pageant, Miss Ballito is a Rotary Zimbali fundraising initiative that celebrates confident, community-minded young women who are passionate about making a difference. The competition focuses on charity work and personal development, with finalists supporting local causes and using their voices to uplift the community while developing leadership skills, confidence and purpose.
Details: www.missballito.co.za
Lerato Mathaba, 21
Electrical Engineering student
What inspired you to enter Miss Ballito?
My love for the North Coast community and my desire to be a voice for young women. I want to promote confidence and purpose and celebrate the incredible talent we have here.
Describe yourself in three words.
Driven. Compassionate. Authentic.
Favourite place on the North Coast?
Ballito Beach. The ocean, sunsets and community atmosphere always leave me feeling inspired.
What’s your biggest dream?
To create a platform that empowers young women through mentorship, education and opportunity, helping girls believe their dreams are achievable.
Lindokuhle Ntsele, 23
Waitress at Conchilla
What inspired you to enter Miss Ballito?
I want to represent our community and show young women that confidence and kindness can go hand in hand.
Describe yourself in three words.
Kind. Determined. Compassionate.
Favourite place on the North Coast?
Willard Beach. It reminds me to be grateful and start every day with purpose.
What’s your biggest dream?
To use this platform to empower young women through education and create meaningful change in my community.
Tahirah Singh, 21
BSc IT and robotics student and SRC president at Eduvos Durban
What inspired you to enter Miss Ballito?
I’ve always had a passion for charity and community work. Miss Ballito gives me the chance to support meaningful causes and make a difference in the lives of local young people.
Describe yourself in three words.
Innovative. Effervescent. Ambitious.
Favourite place on the North Coast?
Eduvos Durban. It’s where I learn, collaborate and feel most inspired by the people around me.
What’s your biggest dream?
To build a successful career in robotics while pursuing modelling and acting. I want to show young girls they don’t have to choose just one passion.
