Delegates in the Mr Gay World Southern Africa are preparing themselves to be judged. Will they be ready for the big night?  

Judgment Day is fast approaching for the thirteen delegates of Mr Gay World Southern Africa. And the nerves are starting to kick in as the judges are preparing themselves to select a worthy winner to represent Southern Africa. The names of the judging panel have just been announced.

The head judge is Rubin van Niekerk, editor of the long-running Gay Pages magazine. With a focus on travel, lifestyle, food, wine, cars, and gay life, this well-rounded magazine offers something for every reader. 

The second judge is Luiz De Barros, founder and editor of Mambaonline.com, South Africa’s leading gay news and lifestyle platform. He is also an activist and award-winning filmmaker, writer, photographer, designer and creative director. 

Derick Tait, who has been in the Hospitality Industry for the last 21 Years. In 2016 he developed the Fortis Hotel Group and as part of the project he would like to expand the Fortis brand to become one of the best hotel groups in the country. 

Sibusi Mazaiwana, a 32-year marketer who works for the Anova Health Institute. She holds 12 years of experience in marketing, advertising and television. The stage is her first love and she started singing at a young age, resulting in her singing in several choirs into adulthood. 

Proud and long-standing sponsor of MRGWSA (previously Mr Gay South Africa) and associated events, Michaelgameplan is the dream child of Michael John Fisher, a veteran in the South African fragrance, grooming and skincare market for close on 35 years. ‘Mike’, as he is more affectionately known, is a respected figure in the LGBTQ+ community. His creative flair, great passion for the industry and sharp eye endorse his credentials as a judge in this prestigious event on the LGBTQ+ calendar. 

Kevin Morudu from Mango Airlines hails from Alberton and describes himself as an Albertonian and a true Alberton Boy for the past 33 years. He has been working for Mango Airlines for the past 7 Years and is currently the Mango Airlines Marketing Coordinator. 

Lasizwe Dambuza is a South African Internet personality, actor, model and influencer. Lasizwe has gained over 250 thousand combined followers on social media in less than a year. He’s the 2nd most followed Internet Personality.

Dale Pudney is from The Shambhala Organisation and describes himself as a ‘gaypreneur’. He has been running a scholarship program for 3 years, helping LGBT leaders further their studies to help them improve their performance and leadership in the business world. 

The results will be audited by Ian Ferreira Massyn. Ian serves as the Chief Financial Officer on organisations such as Nelson Mandela Bay Pride, the Proud Voice, the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival Southern Africa Foundation NPC and World Gay Foundation NPC. 

With a judging panel like this, it’s no wonder that the delegates are getting nervous! They will certainly be put through their paces and will have to be at their best in order to impress this panel of experts. 

You too can be a judge by voting for your favourite delegate. Voting closes on 22 September and you can vote once a day on www.mrgwsa.com. Tickets for the grand finale to be held at the Atterbury Theatre on 23 September are available through Computicket.