Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, Mandla Mbotho (24) made sure he made a name for himself when he moved to Potchefstroom in 2013 and started competing in pageants in 2015.

“It all started when I entered a small pageant called Mr Christmas six years ago. I’ve never looked back since,” he said.

Mandla has always found inspiration in the youth who are motivated to bring about change. “One of the people I look up to is Chad Louw, who recently became the youngest mayor in South Africa at just 24 years old,” he said.

“As a member of the Ikageng Youth Crime Prevention Desk. I have always aspired to have a positive impact in my community,” he said.

He added that his biggest wish was to see the youth getting more platforms to develop skills in their desired career fields.

Between juggling his school and other commitments, Mandla got an opportunity to represent South Africa internationally on 25 September 2021. He managed to bring home the Mr United Africa title.

“Winning this title, especially, was exhilarating, it had been my goal since the beginning of this year. I am still in disbelief,” he said.

“Pageants are quite expensive, however, and male models are often overlooked when opportunities arise,” he said in frustration. “This makes it extremely difficult to secure funding.”

In just three months, Mandla will represent the country at the Mr Tourism Universe in Thailand. He is asking Potchefstroom businesses, J.B. Marks Municipality and the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation to support him.

For more information on his international competition, contact Mandla at 076 111 3656.