The Mr South Africa 2013 competition is nearing D-Day, with the final gala evening at the Lyric Theatre scheduled for 7 November 2013. The twelve finalists were previously a part of a Roadshow in Cape Town. Following those adventures, I, along with the other finalists, recently headed off to Durban  to reunite one last time before the big event.

With a busy itinerary in Durban, the first stop was at the Virgin Active Classic Gym at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The lovely staff at Virgin Active were kind enough to give the boys some time to warm up in luxury for the action packed weekend ahead. This was followed by a bike ride along the Durban beachfront, courtesy of Virgin Active. Needless to say,  started the weekend off with a bang, as we were able to share some good laughs. 

Our second stop was the Miss Vacca Matta KZN 2013 pageant, where Mr South Africa finalist, Amro Gabriels and Mr South Africa 2013 Head Judge/TaktoSales Sponsor, Thaamir Moerat were on the panel of judges for the event. This allowed for the rest of the finalists to lend support backstage and escort each Miss Vacca Matta KZN finalist onto the ramp, followed by socialising after the crowning. This was only the beginning of the evening as Tokio Night Club was calling our names- we could not disappoint!

Bright and early day 2 was upon us! Bleary eyed from the festivities the night before, we had more than enough reason to push on, knowing that the Springboks were taking on the All Blacks in a championship deciding game. With the entire nation behind the Springboks and the Mr South Africa finalists joined arm in arm, singing our national anthem with millions around the country, how more “Proudly South African” can one get?! Not to mention the many goose bump moments!

I have no doubt that Mr South Africa Top 12 Reality Show Producer, George Morales captured some very “passionate” moments throughout this game, just as he has done so throughout “The Journey”, making for interesting editing!

For me, the man of the match award had to go to to Mr South Africa finalist, Jeandre Lindeque for captaining the braai master duties and providing the boys with much needed fuel to take on the night!

All in all, it has been a heck of a journey with great friendships made! I’m sure that every Top 12 Finalist would agree that this year’s competition has been a life changing experience, with lessons learnt and experienced gained to stand each of us in good stead going forward in all aspects of life. Jacques, Jeandre, Matthew, Saligh, Bohang, John, Garth, Steven, Lesego, Amro and Calvin, thank you for the many special memories!

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank ZAlebs, S.W.E.A.T.1000 Bedfordview, GUESS SA, Whistle Blowers (Pty) Ltd, USN SA, my friends, family and my girlfriend, Andene Thomson for all their love and huge support over the past few months. Words fail to express how much I appreciate you all.

For more information on the Mr South Africa 2013 finalists, be sure to check out www.mrsouthafrica.co.za. I hope to see you at the final event – come and support the Top 12! Tickets are available at www.computicket.co.za