Elsburg resident to take part in prestigious pageant
Eugene Barnard works his cheekbones for the upcoming 2018 Mr South Africa competition.
The search for Mr South Africa 2018 recently kicked-off and an unassuming Elsburg resident has made the cut.
One needs to be 21 years of age and older to be an eligible contestant, but Eugene Barnard has somehow bypassed this rule.
Twenty-year-old Eugene, who joined the glitz-and-glamour life of pageantry in nursery school, will represent Germiston in the prestigious event.
“I think my work in previous competitions proved to the panel that I could be a strong contestant in this competition,” said Eugene.
Eugene, who attended Dinky Dolly Nursery School in his toddler days, credits the owner of the school, Petra Breytenbach, as the person who introduced him to modelling competitions.
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“She not only introduced me to the wonderful world of drama and pageantry, but she assisted me in all my competitions even when I went off to primary school,” said Eugene.
The former Laerskool Elsburg and Hoërskool Elsburg learner is now ready to put Elsburg on the map in the world of modelling.
The modelling genes don’t fall far from the tree in the Barnard household.
His mother Marietjie has always loved beauty pageants and dressing up, so when Eugene started his modelling career his family gave him their full support.
“In high school, I took part in the school’s E-Factor competition on two occasions.
“I won Mr Photogenic in the 2016 Mr and Miss Elsie competition.
“I was then given the opportunity to participate in the 2017 Beauty Meets Power SA where I won in the photogenic category becoming Mr Face of Beauty Meets Power.
With a soft heart for animals and having seen the effects of cancer, Eugene aspires to bring about awareness to animal cruelty and local hospices who treat cancer patients.
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“My grandmother died from cancer and to see someone you love wither away because of this illness is not an easy thing to go through.
“I am going to use my voice in the competition to reintroduce the spirit of charity in our community by giving back to the local SPCA, spending time with animals and uplifting the community,” said Eugene.
Eugene who wasn’t very popular in school also aims to encourage young boys to be true to themselves at all times.
“You do not have to be popular or be the sports star in high school.
“You just need to be yourself. Remember what matters is what’s on the inside, not what people see on the outside,” said Eugene.
Like Eugene Barnard’s page on Facebook, Eugene Barnard, follow him on Twitter @eugenebarnard9 and on Instagram @eugenebarnard53.
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