Help Joburg south dancer go to New York

Despite tough circumstances, Quinton Madlala has advanced to the final competition of the International Modelling and Talent Association in New York, which will take place from July 23 to 29, 2023.

Following his selection, the 19-year-old Johannesburg south resident is appealing for donations, stating that he requires funds for travel to the audition, in addition to accommodation to make his dream a reality.

Quinton auditioned for the International Art Talent Showcase in 2019 and was chosen to represent South Africa at the 2020 International Modelling and Talent Association (IMTA) in New York, but the event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

His mother had spent a lot of money to make his dream a reality, but it was all for nought. Throughout the pandemic, he lost all motivation and lost friends and family. He thought ‘this is the end of the world’.

On May 6, he received notice that auditions would be held the following day.

“I was hit with an overwhelming sense of motivation and urgency that I needed to rejoin, even though I had previously believed my talents had supposedly left me. I practised all night without stopping and slept on the way to the auditions the next morning.”

Auditions were held at the Silverstar Casino in Roodepoort. He had no intention of giving up because he believed in himself.

“A donation will mean a lot to me because it will allow me to represent South Africa in the United States and show that a third-world country can produce first-world talent.

“I will be able to persuade you even more that no matter where you come from, as long as you work hard and believe in yourself, you can make it no matter what. I’m hoping to hear back from international judges. Excitement is an understatement. I just cannot wait.”

For more information, contact Quinton at 081 425 4590 or his mother, Fortunate Madlala at 072 629 5194.