The current reigning Mr Mpumalanga, Abednico Mabaso, is the new Mr Tourism World Popularity 2023. Mabaso received this title during the Mr Tourism World competition in the Philippines on Saturday February 4.
Mabaso, the first-ever Mr Mpumalanga to grace an international stage, also received these special awards: charmingly Cultured Gentleman and Multimedia Award first runner-up.
During an interview with Lowvelder Express, he said he never expected to win the Charmingly Cultured Gentleman Award, and he dedicated these to the public who supported him.
He said these achievements will always be dear to him and are a reminder of the hard work he had put into this contest.
“The support that South Africa showed me during the competition was amazing. It is proof that my people want the best for me and will go far to support anyone flying their flag high. I believe I did fly the country’s flag high,” Mabaso said.
He said it was a tough competition, especially in a foreign country.
“I learnt a lot of things during my time in the Philippines, such as patience and appreciation of what I can obtain. Nevertheless, it was a great experience to compete on such a stage,” he said.
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During the competition, Mabaso managed to showcase South African culture with his unique, bright traditional attire.
The 30-year-old from Bushbuckridge was excited to be dressed by an international multi-award-winning designer, Jacob A from Indonesia, for the fashion show. His other achievements include having Hotel Sogo in the Philippines use his face on its billboards.
“I can assure South Africa that I left a legacy in the Asian country. I was chosen among the 26 guys to be dressed by Jacob A. That was another unexpected yet mind-blowing experience,” he said.
His reign as Mr Mpumalanga is coming to an end soon, but he is motivated to get in touch with his community. Mabaso said being in the Philippines motivated him to start projects to uplift his community through his NPO, Step Up for a Boy Child.
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“I made history during my reign as Mr Mpumalanga 2022 and I need to work harder to make an impact in the lives of boys and young men. My work, especially in Mpumalanga, has not stopped. There is more work still needed to done and I will implement community projects,” he said.
Mabaso said he has not planned to enter pageants yet, but would love to compete in another international competition.
