KZN well represented at 2019 Mr South Africa

KwaZulu Natal’s very own, Shaun Stander was the only finalist to receive 2 titles where he was crowned Mr South Africa 2019 First Prince and Mr South Africa People’s Choice winner.

This recent success sees Stander adds two more to his list of 73 modelling titles

The Highway mail’s Lusanda Luthuli recently caught up with Stander about his recent success and his future plans:

Q: How did it feel to be the only finalist to win two titles?

A: It was an amazing feeling especially with the title of Mr SA People’s Choice Winner as this was the title for the countries vote on who they wanted as the winner. In the end we all did this together.

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Q: How did you prepare yourself for this competition? both mentally and physically? 

A: Through the support of family, friends, my students as well as my partner, I had the encouragement to keep working hard. All of the support helped me mentally. Physically I also trained every day where I instructed 3 – 5 Fitness classes a day as well as did an extra 2-3 Hours personal fitness per day through the help of a personal trainer.

Q: What separated you from your fellow competitors? 

A: We all have our own qualities and I felt that my vision and purpose for our country and our people is what always kept me a step ahead. With all our challenges and tasks I went beyond expectation and always did more

Q: How did it feel to be the only one representing KZN?

A: It was a great honour as well as nerve wrecking. Being the only one from the province I wanted to work harder to ensure I do not let my province down.

Q: Did you receive any support from family and friends?

A: I received a lot of support. There were always words of encouragement and together I involved everyone and my community in tasks which added on our strength.

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Q: How do you plan on furthering your brand from this recent success? 

A: I have a modelling agency (Mobile Model Management) as well as instruct group fitness, I would be using the platform to create more awareness to people and develop our brand. I have already received numerous requests from new applicants that want to join me now as It was told I am an inspiration to them all. I would also be furthering my reach to charities, MC, Fashion events, Coordinating and more.

Q: Tell me about the international competition you’ll be taking part in?

A: There are 3 international competitions coming up (Mr World, Mr Manhunt International & Mr Men International.) We have a while to prepare as some of these will take place towards the end of the year as well as the beginning of next year. The Top 3 of Mr SA will be allocated to one each where we will go as Mr South Africa and compete against a winner representative from each country. We are just waiting on the final information from the International Producers which will give us our date, requirements and which country it will be hosted in.

Q: What advice would you give to youngsters trying to enter competitions like Mr South Africa? 

A: A person should always stay humble and be compassionate. Do not give up and always put your best foot forward. You need to do things for your community and not for yourself meaning just wanting fame and glory and become arrogant. In the end it is not about “ME” but it is about “US”. Be a true gentlemen, be mature and be a person who can sell himself and his brand.

Q: What was the most rewarding aspect of competing in Mr South Africa over the last ten months?

A: The most rewarding besides winning the 2 sashes and having the perks of becoming brand ambassador, was the change I brought about in other people. Giving many of them a new view on life. I encouraged many to become stronger more independent individuals where many turned to start helping their community, looking after the environment and encouraged everyone to work together as one. We are all the same, we are all South African and all share the same African sky. 

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