My Mr SA experience thus far...

Well all I can say is thank you to the Mr SA committee and organizers for putting this whole thing together. It has been a truly amazing experience. I was unsure as to whether I wanted to do it, as im the type of person when I am committed to something, I AM COMMITED TO IT ;)
So I dont do anything for 2nd place or plan to be an "also man", if I was going to do this competition, in the end I wanted to be standing on the final ceremony stage holding that staff as the new Mr SA!

So I was undecided, and then while chatting to last years runner up Jaco De Bruyn(on Facebook) he said to me that it was the best experience of his life without a doubt. So after that I was convinced! And so far I completely agree with Jaco, this competition is almost like something I feel that every man should partake in. My sons will be scouts and now they will also be entering Mr SA(or Junior SA).

The things you learn about yourself and others on this journey has been incredible. Like I always knew I wanted to make a difference, but I wasnt sure how. Doing this competition makes you focus all your collective energies so that you now as a man become focused and driven. And it really tests your metal as a man. Can you do what it takes, do you have the courage to be in the limelight and make things happen? These are the questions doing this competition asks you.

My fund raising for Ons Huis has yielded mixed results. My goal was to have 5 avenues or sources of charity. An avenue where everybody or any person could donate(the sms line). Avenues where money was raised in specialized events, and lastly corporate sponsorship. My charity auction and "Angels for Charity" show were successful. My charity serenades were slightly successful, the sms line not successful and the corporate sponsorship...well... up until an half an hour before the 5pm deadline I thought it was successful.

But such is life and there are hiccups or hurdles at every turn. People or companies will "let you down", but its nothing to get sad about as this is a part of life. And it is the struggle that makes something more worthwhile. However, I was a little disappointed in myself as I do feel a connection now to Ons Huis and even though we were given a mandate that its not the actual amount, but the effort and creativity that counts, things still cost an actual amount. For example lets say the cheapest they can get a new activity hall is R20 000 and I need to raise that money, raising only R10 000 wont get the hall built. Im not saying this to dis-credit myself, but I did set myself a target and I did not reach it. I sure as hell did try but life throws you curveballs and as long as you learn from your mistakes thats all that matters.

Its not about me being hard on myself, its about being responsible and being honest with myself and everyone. And this is what this competition has taught me, that a real man is responsible, honest and has integrity. Looks, body, money, business skills, charm all fall out of the window if he does not have these qualities. Thats why part of me taking responsibilty, I will be donating the charity line to Ons Huis and I am currently corresponding with the SABC as to getting radio advertising for Ons Huis and/or the charity line so that it is more effective, as I feel the charity sms line is a great idea.

I have learnt so much these last 2 months about myself and what my purpose on this planet is. And through people reading my blog or seeing related posts on Facebook, I have met some amazing people from all over the world who are also driven to make a difference. And through increasing my media profile I have gained more confidence and I now know that I am very well suited to the public eye, as I have the composure, confidence and inner strength to be in it.
And most importantly I have learnt the channels and the means through which change can be made.

So thank you to Mr SA itself, all the other competitors and to our beautiful country.
I know I have what it takes to be a great Mr SA and bring about positive change.
But even if I dont become a finalist, I am still so thankful as this has been a great experience and has set me on my path.
We can make a diiference.
You just need believe...
and eventually in your heart,
you will know.