Muscles pump in ultimate man test

The show, which airs on SABC 1 on Tuesday evenings, is in search of South Africa’s ‘manliest man’. It started off with 16 male contestants from across the country but now only seven remain – including the Midrand resident.

The challenge tests the men’s strength, courage, leadership, integrity and ability to survive under physical pressure. Mapalakanye said he entered the show to prove that he is strong.

He said, “The challenges we were given on the previous episodes were so difficult and the game changes a lot. Contestants become friends and it gets hard when a friend is voted out. On a brighter side, the experience has matured me a lot. I have taken part in activities any man can (only) wish to do.”

The 28-year-old is taking in as much as he can from the experience. “Having grown up in a township, I had not travelled much. The show has exposed me to exotic places; I have enjoyed the new locations and amazing destinations. I have been honoured to learn about other contestants’ lifestyles and life experiences. My motto is ‘never give up’. I believe those words have brought me this far in the competition, I will carry on.”

Mapalakanye had to postpone his wedding to enter the competition. “My fiancee and I got engaged earlier this year. The elders blessed our union and I paid half the lobola money requested by her family. While we were planning for our white wedding I began the show. Obviously we had to temporarily put everything on hold as far as the wedding is concerned.”

Mapalakanye enjoys watching and playing soccer and professional wrestling. He also likes listening to heavy metal and hip hop.

“I work as a stock controller for one of the big stores in Johannesburg. If I win the R500 000 prize money I will buy a property and start a non-profit organisation in my community.”

Next week the show will announce a secret international destination where the winners will go. The winner will be announced on 29 October.