Kaylin Kean Moodley of Whetstone has raised the Phoenix flag high after being crowned Mr Durban 2022.
The 23-year-old first-time pageant winner participated in the nail-biting competition against eight other hopefuls, at a glitzy finale which was held at the Durban Manor Hotel and Conference Centre recently. Moodley said he will use this title as a platform to empower the youth, spread awareness on drugs and alcohol abuse and other pertinent issues in his community.
He told the Phoenix Tabloid that the purpose of the pageant was to influence and inspire Durbanites in the spirit of Ubuntu. “It has been an incredible journey, becoming Mr Durban 2022 has turned my dream into a reality. Throughout the pageant, I’ve become a better version of myself. Being announced as the overall winner was an overwhelming experience. I was up against really strong and talented opponents, I honestly didn’t expect to be crowned Mr Durban 2022. I was shocked, emotional, excited and relieved all at the same time. This title means everything, it’s truly a life changing opportunity for me,” said Moodley.
Moodley expressed his determination to bring about change in his community. “One of the main cornerstones of Mr Durban is community upliftment and giving back to the vulnerable. It is not only about the glitz and glamour that comes with the title, but it means being a role model for the youth and being involved in community work in an effort to make a difference in the lives of those who lack basic needs. My goal as the current title holder is to play a participative role in making a difference in society. Mr Durban is an opportunity for me to do what I’ve always wanted to do, to be the voice for the voiceless, to go into schools not only to inspire but to motivate learners into fulfilling their dreams and goals as well as encourage them that failure is not the end of the world and God has great plans for their life. I want to use this platform to enter places of worship and charity houses and be a helping hand to people in need. My ultimate goal is to spread awareness and to reduce socio-economic issues such as poverty and gender-based violence which is prevalent within the community,” said Mr Durban.
Moodley’s passion has always been to uplift the community and he has done so over the years by initiating feeding drives for the homeless and food collection drives at church for underprivileged families within the community. “I have met incredible people who have been so supportive and helped me reach my full potential. I’ve learned so much much from each individual and I am grateful for the life lessons I’ve gained.”
Moodley holds a few leadership roles including a managerial position at work and is a worship leader at his local church. He thanked his friends, well wishers and family for the tremendous support. Moodley hopes to compete in the upcoming Mr KZN pageant and many other pageants in the near future.
