The future’s bright for teen star Diolan
BABY-FACED Diolan Govender is more than handsome – this 15-year-old entrepreneur, presenter and Grade 10 pupil is riding a wave of success and loving it.
Govender, who lives in Durban North and attends Crawford College La Lucia, was named Mr Teen Kwazulunatal in March.
He is to represent South Africa in the Mr Teen World pageant in Turkey in May.
While most youngsters his age are glued to their video games, Diolan has an impressive portfolio that covers acting, television presenting, running an online entertainment news site and excelling in his studies.
“I started acting in school plays when I was five years old,” said Diolan. “A year later, and to my surprise, my acting career took off professionally. Over the last two years, my interest in the entertainment industry took a turn when I became passionate about presenting.
“I am a freelance presenter for White Media Africa
(a digital entertainment segment show on red carpets with South Africa’s biggest celebrities) and Teen Talk TV (a digital show that is currently in production).”
While pageantry has never been his “cup of tea”, he said he was persuaded to take part by his mentor, Mrs Africa Tourism South Africa, Ntombifuthi Gumede.
He said Gumede convinced him to enter Mr Teen Kwazulu-natal in March.
“The title opened many doors, not just for my career but for me to make a difference in communities across the province.
“I wanted to reach a national level and entered Mr King of the Universe and Mr Rainbow Nation by Pageants SA and won the first prince position in both competitions.
“Carolyn Botha (the owner and director of Pageants SA) offered to send me to Turkey for the Mr Teen World next year,” said Diolan.
He balances his work and academic interests with correct time management and maintains good grades in school and keeps his career on track.
“Time management is important – I may be young but I feel I can effectively contribute by getting involved and making changes in our society.
“I want to change the perception people have of teenagers. I want them to take us seriously because we are tomorrow’s leaders. The youth need to be empowered through education and opportunities,” he said.
In February he launched Moving Forward Media, an online media outlet for entertainment news.
The site acknowledges those who make strides in the art industry and celebrates their achievements.
#Wepromoteafricantalent campaign is dedicated to promoting the achievements of African entertainers, said Diolin.
Diolan plans to pursue a career in journalism and marketing when he matriculates.
He also intends to do his Bachelor degree in fine arts in the US and hopes to continue with presenting and entrepreneurship.
He said he had been inspired by his parents,
Devika and Christy Govender, who worked hard and had an exceptional work ethic.
The “baby” of the family, Diolan said he always had the support of his siblings, Dashen, 19, and Prenesha, 17.