KNYSNA NEWS - The final Mr Gay World competition to be held in South Africa will be hosted, in part, by Knysna come April.

This prestigious international contest is set to take place from 26 April to 3 May and will see men from around the globe competing for the Mr Gay World title. 

This will be the third time that the event will be held Knysna and the fifth time in South Africa.

The Mr Gay World 2020 event was originally scheduled to be hosted in Cape Town after Eric Butter, owner, founder and president of Mr Gay World, was approached by the city to return for another three years. However, following further unsuccessful discussions with the City of Cape Town, it was decided not to continue with the event in the city but to rather move it to a more accommodating location.

"With all this said, Mr Gay World 2020 will return to South Africa for the last time," says Butter. "The delegates will be hosted in Nelson Mandela Bay, ending off in Knysna as part of the annual Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival."

The town of Knysna has expressed its full backing of the event. "We are delighted that Mr Gay World is returning to Knysna. I can't wait to welcome all the delegates in 2020," says executive deputy mayor, Aubrey Tsengwa.

News of Cape Town's lack of support for the global contest was met with disappointment by several Mr Gay World partners and supporters, but also elicited firm solidarity with the organisers.

"This is now the time for the LGBTQ+ community and corporate South Africa to join hands and show the world that we can deliver a week-long event showcasing the best our country has to offer," asserts Kaye Ally, chairperson of Johannesburg Pride and founder and chairperson of Pride of Africa. "It is therefore imperative that we support and endorse Mr Gay World 2020 Nelson Mandela Bay and Knysna, South Africa."

To stay informed about Mr Gay World in Nelson Mandela Bay and Knysna, follow Mr Gay World on its online media platforms.

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