Mr SA hopeful aims to empower youth

SAKHILE Hlengwa is not new to the concept of having to work hard to reach your goals, and through this philosophy and his passion for helping others, he has landed a position in the top 23 for the title of Mr South Africa 2016.

The 33-year-old works as a junior manager at the Pinetown-based Mahle Behr and said his main reason for entering the competition was to help the youth to succeed. “This competition gave me a platform to be able to give back and help the community. My focus is on the youth and to make sure that they don’t get involved in drugs and alcohol and have them focus on education instead,” said Sakhile.

After high school, he studied mechanical and electrical trades and pursued a bachelors degree in operations management. There was no coaxing from his parents to study further, but he pushed himself to study and used the resources he had available to reach the next level. He is currently a masters degree student.

The national competition started a few months ago with 50 pre-selected applicants. This number was then slashed in half by the end of July and another two were cut from the running before September. Each month the contestants are given challenges to complete and this month was to tasked with hosting an event as well as a fundraiser.

His latest project saw him work with the organisation, Operation Bobbi Bear in Amanzimtoti and then with Itshelihle Primary School in Clermont where he helped find the funds to build a jungle gym for the Grade R pupils. “Should I win, I will have a much larger platform and will travel to different areas and help as many people in the communities as possible,” said Sakhile.

The finale is in Pretoria in November and to make sure he reaches the top 12, he goes above and beyond the targets that are set by the judges. On Friday he hosted hosted a family fun day at the Clermont-based primary school and hosted a boot camp fundraiser in Essenwood to promote healthy lifestyles. On 30 September, at Ogwini High School, he will give a talk to the pupils and host science and maths activities day. “If we want to build a better South Africa, we need to focus on the youth as they are the future of this country,” he said.

To take part in the competition also requires him to look good but to Sakhile, the most important aspect is to be a good example to the youth.

“I would like to thank my sponsors, Mhale, Casme, Beach and Bush, Nitro Fitness and ProNutrition. Thank you to my friends, family and the public for their ongoing support and encouragement,” said a humbled Sakhile.

The next selection for the top 12 will take place at the end of September. To vote for him, SMS MRSA028 to 47439. SMSes are charged at R3 per SMS. You can also find him on Facebook at MrSA028