Three locals make Mr SA semisfinals

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Three local men are among the top 60 of this year's Mr SA competition, which marks the semifinal round of the contest.

Knysna's Leon van der Westhuizen along with Plett's Gavin Gainsford and Kyle Hans entered the competition last year as mere drops in the ocean of entries received.

They soon proved themselves to be more than your average South African Joe, however, and in November 2019 all three were named in the top 100 of the 2020 Mr SA competition. Six months on, and the trio are now in the top 60, firmly cementing their places in the semifinals.

"Reaching the top 60 has been an incredible journey so far. It has been quite a challenge juggling the competition and my full-time job, but I am enjoying every moment of it," said 28-year-old Van der Westhuizen. For Hans (30), the competition is getting interesting. "The competition is getting more intense as we all are going all out. I've noticed that each of the semifinalists have something amazing to offer this competition." Gainsford (25) also expressed his excitement. "Excited is an understatement. Words can't describe it, I have a bit of mixed emotions but nothing confidence and faith can't beat, so I'm in it to learn and grow and to be an inspiration to others."

The trio is thrilled that three locals still feature in the competition. "On this journey we learn to bond and grow so we become brothers and leaders for our communities and towns. So it is great that humble, caring men still exist in our towns," Gainsford said. "I am so excited and proud that three locals are represented in the competition! The Garden Route is filled with talented people and Mr SA is a great platform to showcase your talents," a chuffed Van der Westhuizen said.

They will now have to buckle down for their next challenge coming up: "Aqua Wild is a local company that produces hand sanitiser as well as reusable face masks and they have made their ranges available to us at discounted rates, and we basically need to distribute as much as we can via Onestopshop.co.za," explained Hans. "For every hand sanitiser and mask sold, R2 will be donated to a fund where local small businesses can apply for financial relief. Another portion will be set aside where more masks and hand sanitisers are donated to hospitals, police stations, less fortunate, shelters etc."

Voting is now open for the public to put their bid in the hat for their favourite Mr SA contestant. All votes are cast by sending an SMS (at R2) to 40439. To vote for Leon, SMS MRSA82; to vote for Gavin, it is MRSA22; and for Kyle, it is MRSA94.

Kyle Hans