Super suave contestant
OUTSPOKEN Durban teenager Diolan Govender is on a high.
The Mr Teen KwaZulu-Natal 2017 title holder will be heading to Turkey to compete in Mr Teen World on May 14 and is hoping to win the coveted title.
The 15-year-old, of Durban North, the first runner-up in Mister King of the Universe and Mister Rainbow Nation contests, said the pageant’s owner had informed him that he would accompany both title winners to compete in the grand finale in a week.
Diolan, a Grade 11 pupil at Crawford College, La Lucia, said he got involved in school plays at the age of 5 and over the years had ventured into various entertainment related fields.
This includes acting and presenting.
He also opened Moving Forward Media where achievements in the field of arts are celebrated.
“We also strive to promote and empower African entertainers through social media and blogs.”
He continued: “A few months after I opened my company, I launched the Young Excellence Campaign to better the youth through motivation.
“My first initiative was inspiring the youth at a children’s home.”
His greatest achievement to date, he said, was auditioning at the Applause Rising Talent showcase in Orlando, Florida, in 2014.
The budding actor was scouted by 13 international agencies, won four awards, received a scholarship to the New York Film Academy and performed with Disney Channel star Abbie Cobb.
Asked how he maintained a balance between work and his studies, Diolan said time-management was essential.
He added that his journey had taught him to love himself unconditionally, to trust in others and to create enjoyment in the process.
His message to the youth: “Get up. Get going and get focused.
“It is time the youth step up as businessmen and women, and act against the message that society has set for us as young dreamers.”
Diolan intends expanding his business and raising awareness on various social issues affecting