Fitness modelling has shaped and moulded the catering business owner, chef, dietician and model Wiehann Greyling (29) into the man he is today.

To Wiehann, a former Potchefstroom Gimnasium old boy, fitness modelling is not only about looking good and presentable on the outside but more about showing your true heart and giving back to the community – it’s all about making a difference.

That has always been Wiehann’s goal, and now he can reach for the stars and represent Potch as an official finalist for Mister Global South Africa 2023. He is one of only seven finalists in the country. The final event takes place in Pretoria on 16 September. If Wiehann wins the SA leg of Mister Global, he will have the fantastic opportunity of representing his country in Thailand at Mister Global 2023.

“I am excited about the competition and all that it entails. My business currently assists the community in various ways. The Mister Global SA competition provides a platform for me to increase my profile in the community and enhance my ability to do even more projects,” adds Wiehann, who enjoys participating in various community projects.

“We get judged on our community involvement with various projects with Mister Global SA. The exposure we get is fantastic, which extends to an international market,” says Wiehann excitedly. In the past few years, this Potchefstroomer has excelled in various aspects of fitness modelling, whether it be fashion shoots, advertisements or competitions. It has been a journey of knowledge and growth for this positive individual.

“It was a crazy experience having to fill different roles and genres as a fashion model. My body and who I am make it easy to do multiple genres. Bianca Botes (modelling coach at Perfection Models) has helped me to portray various characters and excel in various elements of competitions, like Mr Global SA,” adds Wiehann.

He also credits numerous Potchefstroomers for helping him in the build-up to the competitions, like Prof. Du Toit Loots, who has helped him with his nutritional needs. Wiehann competed in his first big fitness show when he was 22.

One of his aims at that stage was to lose weight, and while training for the show, he lost 40 kilogrammes.

“I came third in my first competition. It was hard work. After that, I competed in Mr Teen World, Little Mr World, and Future Fashion Faces, which I won,” adds Wiehann. His family has always been close to his heart, and he says his brother, Morné, who died eight years ago, is one of his chief motivations. “I want to do everything my brother wanted but could not do. My mom, Hanlie, died two years ago. She also motivated and pushed me to do my best in fitness modelling competitions. So I want to honour her too,” says Wiehann. “My biggest role model is my eldest brother, Hendry. He has always motivated and taught me to rise above my circumstances. You are the writer of your own life. He is living proof of how to rise above any challenges,” he added.

Another big reason for participating in fitness shows was his need to consider healthy lifestyle choices to assist with his diabetes.

Wiehann travelled to the United States to upskill his catering repertoire and build on his dietician expertise. With over a decade of experience in catering, he eventually started his catering business, “A Piece of Cake”, which focuses on meal prepping and creating various meals for numerous occasions. “Growing up, I enjoyed making food with my mom. On weekends, my friends from school and I made cupcakes. I think my passion for food started from there. Food is something that never limits you. It allows you to givie back.”

The multi-talented Wiehann has numerous plans and ideals, like opening a rehabilitation centre to upskill individuals. He also writes poetry for various individuals, which focuses on people’s emotions, from grief to happiness and everything in between.

According to Wiehann, more men should embrace fashion modelling to showcase masculinity and self-confidence.

“Men struggle with mental health and low self-esteem. Beauty comes in various forms. You don’t have to have a certain look to be a fashion model. It’s all about being yourself and showcasing that to the world. You can be stylish and confident and still exude masculinity.”

Potchefstroomers can assist Wiehann in his Mister Global SA journey by voting for him through bulk votes. Contact Wiehann via Whatsapp at 060 408 3575 for more information on voting.