A Merebank teenager has set her sights on becoming the next runway sensation after she recently scooped the prestigious title of Miss Junior Goddess 2023. Her love and passion for pageantry runs deep and at her tender age, she aims to one day make it to the Miss South Africa pageant. The Merebank & Chatsworth Tabloid recently sat on the couch with Lavanya Govender to find out more about her.
Merebank & Chatsworth Tabloid (MCT): Tell us about yourself.
Lavanya Govender (LG): My name is Lavanya Govender and I was recently crowned as Miss Junior Goddess at the Miss Shakti Beats pageant.
MCT: Which school and grade are you currently in?
LG: I am currently in Merebank Secondary High School, in Grade 9.
MCT: Has pageantry always been of interest to you?
LG: Yes, it first started off as a hobby at the age of seven with my dad encouraging me to pursue modelling since it will boost my self-confidence and also give me confidence to face the world. I then went on to compete in pageants and realised that yes, I can make a career out of this as I have won a few pageants already.
MCT: Tell us about your journey to entering the Miss Shakti Beats pageant and going on to win the title of Miss Junior Goddess 2023.
LG: The preparation for the competition for Miss Shakti Beats has indeed been stressful and a lot of hard work, commitment and dedication. If you want to succeed in anything, you have to make sacrifices and put in the hard work. Winning the Miss South Africa Shakti Beat Junior Goddess competition came as a big shock for me. I wasn’t expecting it as the national competition was definitely a tough one.
MCT: What was the experience like for you?
LG: The experience was exciting as I have met so many wonderful and amazing contestants; we also became friends and exchanged numbers. We have since created a bond of sisterhood.
MCT: How did you manage to juggle school and participating in a pageant?
LG: I come from a family with a strong spiritual background – my dad runs a non-profit organisation and serves the community – and my mom is a hard-working businesswoman who is a hairdresser by profession. My sister is currently studying towards a degree in media and humanities at UKZN. They have helped mould me and supported me throughout my journey. Through them, I have learned that creating a balance between school and my modelling career is really important in order to succeed. My family has supported me throughout this journey and I’m eternally grateful to them.
MCT: What was the relationship like between you and the other contestants?
LG: Well, at the beginning, I knew and realised that this was a competition and then as time went on, leading into the preparation and practice sessions with the other contestants, I got to learn something different about each contestant which was amazing and beautiful. It does take a lot of courage to stand up on stage in front of the judges and the audience, so we all share the same platform with feelings and emotions. We then also bonded and supported one another in any way we could.
MCT: Do you have any role models who you look up to in pageantry?
LG: My role models are indeed my modelling instructors who are none other than Shaun Stander and Shaun Nel, from Mobile Model Management, and the OCA Acting Studio owner and directors. I have been modelling from the age of seven and am a professional model through their guidance.
MCT: If there was one thing you could have done differently during the pageant, what would it be?
LG: The pageant was everything I had ever wanted it to be and wouldn’t change anything. It was indeed a blessing for me to be a part of this spectacular event, meeting so many wonderful contestants and having many well-wishers shower me with so much love and support. This indeed was a blessing.
MCT: How do you plan to continue pageantry after you matriculate?
LG: I want to compete in the Miss South Africa pageant one day, after I finish school. I believe that this can open doors for me and allow me to be a voice that can be heard by many out there. My passion is to make a difference to communities that are underprivileged.
MCT: What career are you keen on pursuing after you matriculate?
LG: After I finish school, I wish to pursue a career as a psychologist since I love working with people and I’m also a good listener.
MCT: If you could learn any new skill in an instant, what would it be and why?
LG: It has to be make-up and beauty secrets. I love make-up and constantly keeping up with the latest trends. I sometimes do my own make-up, being exposed to the peer pressures of events, and I have learned to never allow any setbacks.
MCT: Are you involved in a charity organisation that you wish more people knew about?
LG: I am currently involved in a community project with Roshni Naicker, founder and director of Save the Dignity of our School Girls. We distribute sanitary pads to girls who cannot afford them and we hope to expand this drive with sponsor and donations.
MCT: Do you have any hidden talents?
LG: Baking! When I’m not engaging in schoolwork or modelling, I’m baking chocolate cookies and caramel cakes. I must admit, I do have a sweet tooth.
MCT: Where would you like to visit?
LG: Thailand would be my first choice of travel because I love the scenery and cuisine.
MCT: If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
LG: It would have to be Tinkerbell; imagine having wings to fly.
MCT: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
LG: I can live with my chocolate brownies forever and ever!
MCT: In your opinion, what is an easy way to do something nice for someone?
LG: I believe that just a simple smile can make a difference. We are often faced with so many day-to-day challenges and so just being courteous by smiling can have an impact on someone; you could be the only person who could have made a difference to the way a person thinks and feels. It’s worked for me.
