During the next round, five more contestants will be eliminated from the competition, leaving the final Top 10 to vie for the coveted title.
Plettenberg Bay’s Mr SA finalist, Kyle Hans.
Knysna and Plettenberg Bay each have one representative still standing in the 2020 Mr SA competition, with locals Leon van der Westhuizen and Kyle Hans forming part of the Top 15 finalists.
Knysna’s Van der Westhuizen and Plett’s Hans entered the Mr SA competition last year as nothing more than drops in the ocean of entries received nationwide.
They, along with other Plett local Gavin Gainsford, were named in the top 100 in November last year, and in May this year, all three were in the top 60. However, during the next round of elimination, the field was narrowed to 30, which is when Gainsford bowed out.
To their delight, Van der Westhuizen and Hans impressed enough to earn them votes for the Top 15 cut, and their excitement was palpable. “It means so much to me, reaching the Top 15! I have learnt so much about myself and definitely built up my confidence. I am so excited to see where the competition goes and fingers crossed that I will make it to the end,” said Van der Westhuizen.
“I am overjoyed and look forward to the journey that lies ahead,” said Hans. “It’s a privilege being part of the Mr SA brand. It’s an opportunity to represent your country both locally and internationally.”
Both agree that the last six months of Covid-19 have made the competition tougher, but that the use of social media allowed participants to further enhance both their own brands as well as the Mr SA brand.
“Lockdown curfews and social distancing impacted the campaign as we were not allowed to publicly be ‘out there’. On the flip side, social media proved that you could still reach large audiences and have direct connection with the public,” Hans explained.
Knysna’s Mr SA finalist, Leon van der Westhuizen. Photos: Supplied
Having someone from the same area contending for the big title is a bonus for Van der Westhuizen. “I am so happy that another local is going through this journey with me. I hope both of us will represent in the finals,” he said. “Friendly competition is always a good idea. The more you compete the better you can push yourself. Ultimately, I want to give my best!”
During the next round, five more contestants will be eliminated from the competition, leaving the final Top 10 to vie for the coveted title.
To ensure our two boykies make it into the Top 10, vote for them by sending an SMS (at R2) to 40439. For Van der Westhuizen, SMS MRSA82 and for Hans, it is MRSA94.
Knysna’s Mr SA finalist, Leon van der Westhuizen. Photos: Supplied