After facing difficult challenges through his journey of competing in a modeling competition, Bongani Brandon Motshoane, has finally accomplished his dream and now reigns as Mr Common Wealth South Africa 2019/20.
“I remember how much I stressed and cried when I could not get sponsorship for my competition. I literally cried while thanking God for what I was facing. Finally, Daniela Scattolin, a woman who owns Matimba Bush Lodge and Lemondela alcohol brand, trusted me and made a donated together with my parents. I am now holding a national title and I thank God for being amazing through the good and bad times. I cannot even explain how happy I am,” Motshoane exclaimed.
Bongani Motshoane (23) from Phalaborwa won the Mr Common Wealth SA 2019/20 which was held at the Gold Reef City Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg on Friday, August 16.
Motshoane’s journey started this year in March when he had to raise R20 000 for the competition and could not get any sponsorship until Scattolin came to his aid with support from his parents.
Read: Bongani a finalist for Mr Commonwealth
He mentioned that some of his challenges were finances, recognition, and also lack of opportunities to market himself as a model from Phalaborwa, and that he still thanks God for the challenges. The passionate model also said that when Phalaborwa Herald published a story about him pleading for donations, he was still unable to get any.
“Most people knew that I was after a modeling title but they could not help, it was really tough. There were times when I felt like giving up, however, I reminded myself that ‘nothing great ever comes easy’. I told myself that I will win that title for myself and the community regardless of the circumstances,” he said.
“Throughout my modeling journey, I got to discover things about myself which I never thought I had in me. I was criticised for the decision I had made just because I am a young man pursuing a modeling career, which I do not mind as it is my passion. I have visited places I wished to go and I have met important and influential people in my life,” Motshoane continued.
The 23-year-old model told Phalaborwa Herald that when he heard his name being called as Mr Commonwealth SA 2019/20, he felt his heart stop beating and an instant heat in his body with an insane energy rising in him. He then looked up and thanked God.
“I went from being a young man to owning a national title. Even though some people did not believe in me, I still made it!” Motshoane stated that he knew that he would make it to the finale as he Bongani Motshoane. Mr and Mrs Common Wealth SA 2019/20. is well disciplined, responsible and determined.
“I always say nobody’s work ethic is better than mine,” he stated. He further thanked his sponsors and supporters for the votes and the advice they gave him. The model expressed his achievement as a success and urged that he would do something for the community just to give back.
“I’ll be entering Mr South Africa from here onwards, and I will once again be representing Phalaborwa to make sure that our community is recognised out there,” he said. Motshoane also stated that he will be graduating in September 6 as a qualified Automotive Engineer in Mopani South East TVET College, Phalaborwa campus.
