Mr South Africa finalist from Jabavu

An elated Lesedi Mamabolo (25) has made it as one of the 50 finalists to be selected for the Mr South Africa contest.

This young man, originally from Limpopo and now residing in Jabavu said he is extremely proud of his accomplishment this far.

Mamabolo arrived in Johannesburg 12 years ago and matriculated in 2006 at the Vector College.

He did his B.Com in Accounting at the University of Johannesburg and proceeded to study Audio Visual Communication but said he is currently taking a break from it all.

“I am now the founder of Pause, Think and Reflect which is a company that deals with motivation and empowerment, additionally I write for the HSB Online Magazine and Bua Soweto News. Ways I can describe myself is by saying I am a man of God, a son, grandson, motivated, inspired, someone who is hoping to make a change in people’s lives, a visionary and a big dreamer. This is mainly because I didn’t have much opportunities growing up in the rural areas, so I want to motivate others and help them get a better life,” he said.

Mamabolo however, said he can’t describe himself as a model.

He said it was not his intention at first to enter this competition.

After two of his friends had entered the competition they asked him to view their pictures and thereafter his colleagues encouraged him to enter the competition.

“I had many reasons for not wanting to enter but after sometime I sent in my pictures and information and they approved it. I made it to the top 118 and then top 50 and I feel very honoured, excited and proud not only because I see myself as a winner already but because I’m giving other skinny guys hope out there,” he said.

He said the criteria used for selecting the top contestants were fitness, health, leadership qualities, ambition, aspiration, organisational quality and intelligence.

Mamabolo said this competition has opened a lot of doors for him.

It has been a platform for him to change people’s lives, an opportunity to engage with others, raise funds for charity and a chance to help him grow.

Now the lad believes he wants to win this more than he thought and is looking forward to making it to the top 25.

Though the public can vote for the contestants, the judges will look at what the contestants do, execution of their tasks and involvement and interest in the competition.

People interested in voting for Mamabolo can do so by smsing MRSA 120 to 47439.