KHS learner crowned Miss Petite Teen World SA

The young Diara Choudree started her pageant career recently and is already off to a good start having walked away with her very first major title – that of Miss Petite Teen World SA as well as being crowned first princess for Miss Petite Teen SA.

This 16-year-old learner from Krugersdorp High School (KHS) believes in personal growth and bettering herself. She started her schooling career at Charterhouse and Ridgevale Primary in Roodekrans before going to KHS where she is the deputy head girl.

Her modelling career started at age five and she did international ads from the age of seven. She did ads for Sargento Cheese and Gaviscon entered her first school pageant as a Grade 10 learner in 2022 and won the title of Miss KHS.

In August Diara entered Miss Eco Teen and placed in the top six. This was her first walk on a pageant stage. Her first official pageant under the Miss Teen banner for Pageants SA was on October 7 in Pretoria.

Each of the winners of the latest pageant carries one of six titles, they will then be competing internationally under that title in 2024. Daria will also compete in the official Junior Miss SA in Turkey in May 2024.

Although she has always been interested in pageants, she was reluctant at first because she did not want to enter casual pageants just for the sake of it and wanted the pageants to be a stepping stone to promote change and get involved in something meaningful.

Her ultimate goal is to inspire teens to reach their highest potential.

Some of Daria’s charity initiatives include the Santa Shoebox Drive, and recently she helped her school sponsor an underprivileged matric girl with a dress, nails, hair, and makeup for the spectacular event.

Diara is a very active girl who dances and sticks to a regular workout routine as well as other fun activities like hiking, ziplining, outdoor obstacle courses, quad biking, swimming more.

She also enjoys hobbies like crafting, doing make-up, singing, baking, painting and reading.

“I began pageantry for the fun of it, it started as a hobby but soon turned into a passion and self-love journey as time went on. Pageantry is a lot more than just looking pretty, it requires discipline, hard work, and dedication. It is about building your confidence: getting to know yourself, strengths, weaknesses, flaws, and all… I would like to use my platform and influence for the greater good.”

She added that her faith and her family’s continued love and support keep her grounded. Music, journaling, and her friends also play a significant role in her life.

“They remind me that I am never alone.”

She suggests that pageant contestants focus on their bodies by eating healthy well-balanced meals and avoiding crash diets or extreme restrictions.

“And most importantly, love and accept yourself just the way you are! It is not about strict diets or depriving yourself, but rather about maintaining a healthy lifestyle that makes you feel good. And do not forget to indulge in your favourite treats now and then, because balance is key.”

She said when things get tough it could be hard to keep smiling but added; “Remember that tough times do not last forever. Remind yourself of your strengths and focus on the positive aspects of your life. And most importantly, be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to feel and process your emotions.”