09-08-2025
Young influencer gets a hero's welcome after earning his Proteas blazer
Desmond Koolen, aka Desi, from Fourways, will never forget the moment he slipped on his green Proteas blazer for performing arts for the first time, because he did it surrounded by the cheers and claps of his entire Sandton-based school.
'It was a very proud moment for me to share my achievements with my peers and to receive the acknowledgement from Nick Clogg, our preparatory school principal. I am one of the first boys at St David's, in the junior preparatory, to receive a green blazer, so it is a really big honour.'
He added the blazer presentation followed a special tradition, usually reserved for high school learners, but this time, it was a junior who stole the spotlight. 'The most amazing part was as I put it on, all the boys from grades 1–3 jumped up and were clapping and cheering my name. It made me feel extremely happy and reminded me that all the hard work was worth it when I saw just how proud they all were of me.
Also read: 'I feel good kid' Desi Koolen bags Kid Influencer of the Year gong at the South African Social Media Awards
'I felt the most awesome mix of pride and joy. My school is extremely proud of me, and it was so awesome to be celebrated by my peers and teachers alike. It's the Marist way.'
With the South African Championships just around the corner, Desi is ready to take the stage, this time with dancing added to his already packed competition lineup. 'This year, I will be dancing for the first time, so I am very excited about that. My favourite category is singing, and I have been working very hard with my vocal coach, so I can't wait to show the judges how much I've grown since last year.'
Even though the World Championships were postponed to next year, due to the unrest in Los Angeles, Desi's working towards showing off his talents on stage during the SA Champs in October this year. He's staying focused, using the extra time to his advantage. 'I do think I am probably going into SA champs with a little bit of an upper hand, as I have been consistently doing competition training since January. I've been working very hard on my vocal skills, as well as sharpening up my modelling and some acting aspects.' With 35 performance items to prepare across four different disciplines, time management is key.
Also read: 'I feel good' kid Desi gets double delight as he sweeps SA Champs with 27 medals
So, what is he aiming for at the SA Champs this year? 'I go there to have fun and do my best. I would like to win the triple threat this year. Last year I won the overall in acting and singing, in the 5–12 age category, so it would be great to get overall in acting, singing, and modelling this year, and maybe medal in dancing.'
With the backing of his school, the structure of a solid training plan, and the drive to grow stronger every year, Desi is proving that hard work and heart can take you anywhere.
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