“What I really love about this recognition is that, I’m the first ever Mr International Africa…”

South African model, businessman and philanthropist Godfrey Mphatswe has been crowned as the first ever Mr International Africa during Mr Nigeria International 9th Crowning event held in Nigeria.

Mphatswe was born in Gannalaagte in the Northwest Province and later relocated to Mohlakeng in Randfontein, Gauteng.

This vibrant young man is a former Mr South Africa finalist, former Gauteng Fashion Council Board Member, founder of Mr & Miss Albinism SA and Mr. Icon Gauteng.

The crowning happened when Mphatshwe was least expectant, as he did not compete for the title but was appointed. “I was honestly done with competing in pageants since Mr SA where I was nominated as a board member during the crowning,” revealed Mphatswe.

 “It is really evident that I am highly favoured since I was crowned without competing or should I say acknowledge as I went to Nigeria as a judge,” he added.

Mphatswe said, “being a titleholder is a biggest achievement ever and follows you to the grave, and just creates so much magic around you especially when you know your purpose in life. What I really love about this recognition is that, I’m the first ever Mr International Africa and I was deemed fit to wear the crown and I can’t wait to start with my duties, travel around the continent, set the standards and tone for the kings to follow me.”

Mphatswe’s title is monumental because it encompasses the entire African continent hence the name “Mr International Africa”. He further expressed that “this title really stretches my reach and projects focus. I am planning to join hands with African Kings  & Queens already doing it for their countries to see how we can move Africa forward.

 “This is one interesting crown to wear and I am ready as I’ve already started touring Africa”, he shared. “Words are not enough to explain how I feel. I just see the power and the glory of my creator. I believe I deserve it through what I’ve been doing in parts of our beautiful continent.”

Mphatswe concluded with encouraging words for pageant aspirants asserting, “Believe in yourself, there’s a reason why you exist. Do not follow others’ passions and purposes but find yours and focus on it no matter what others say. It will not be all easy and sweet but pursue it and you will soon be proud of your hard work. Lastly, be humble, limelight blinds most, do not be one of them. Respect others and stay humble and you will go far than you imagined.”

By Vuyokazi Mdlungu

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