Lavanya Govender.
Image: Supplied
Lavanya Govender, a 16-year-old from Merebank, recently won the Miss Teenager Universe Continent title, using her platform to inspire youth and promote humanitarian efforts.
Lavanya won the South African leg of the competition last March and the international contest in Bali, Indonesia, recently.
She said the contest was an empowerment programme that created opportunities for self-development and to compete on a national and international level.
“This platform also creates an opportunity to raise future leaders,” said Lavanya.
She said there were initially 30 contestants from around the world.
“I was shortlisted as one of nine contestants as per the selection process. We went through an intense screening and assessment programme. I won the title of Miss Teenager Universe Continent 2025 and was awarded with the confidence certification award.
“It was a dream come true for me as all the girls were extremely beautiful and talented. I would be lying if I said I was not nervous, but I silently prayed to God for strength and confidence as this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime. I gave it my all during the competition and I wasn't prepared to let my country down."
Lavanya said as an ambassador of the Miss Teenager Universe International organisation, her goal was to uphold her humanitarian duties and responsibilities.
“I will continue to inspire the youth and spread the word of peace, love, compassion and harmony to the rest of the world through my campaigns that I am actively involved with. My aim is to also encourage others that we can achieve, if we believe."
She said her dad encouraged her to take up modelling.
“I was an introvert as a child and was afraid and nervous of being in public places or speaking out. However, my dad, being a spiritual leader and a motivational coach, suggested I pursue modelling. He thought it would boost my self-confidence and at a later stage, I could make a career out of it. I then enrolled in a modelling school and to my amazement, I actually enjoyed the sessions.
“As I grew into the modelling world, I started to win multiple competitions in pageantry. I realised that this is my passion. Over the years, I have used my platform to motivate and inspire the youth to stand up and believe in themselves; to let nobody tell you that you are unable to have a dream and also to make it a reality.
"I am a true example and a testament that you can be anything you wish for as long as you have faith and belief in yourself and God, the journey can and will be possible.”
Lavanya said she hoped to compete in the Miss South Africa
“I will be preparing for this journey and with the grace of God, I wish to make all of you proud. However, I currently support a non-prior organisation, Save The Dignity of Our Girls in School. We distribute sanitary towels to school girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, who face their own challenges and battles. My goal is to collaborate with others who can help and support me, so that I can grow and expand this drive worldwide.”
She said her message to the youth was to “always remember that you have the power and the ability to be anything you want to be”.
“We live in a world where we, as the youth, are judged, bullied and face the peer pressures of society. I have personally been through so many ups and downs, but I am fortunate to have the support of my family and friends. However, having faith and belief in yourself and God can make a huge difference, especially to become a better version of yourself.”
Her dad, Sagaren Govender, said: “To everyone that has supported Lavanya throughout this journey, we express our heartfelt thanks, gratitude and appreciation as this win is not only a merit for us. We celebrate with everyone as we, South Africans, stand in unity, strength and victory.”
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