In a shock move, the current Mr Gay South Africa, Jason Rogers, has resigned, less than two months before the Mr Gay World competition in Belgium.
In a statement, the organisers of Mr Gay South Africa (Mr GSA) announced that Rogers had decided to step down in a meeting on Monday.
Jason, who is a medical Biologist, is also a part-time student finishing his degree this year. He told the organisers that he felt that he would not be able to give the Mr GSA and Mr Gay World organisations the attention they require and that he would rather give the opportunity to another candidate who could.
“South Africa deserves the best representation and the title holder to attend this event. It is because of these circumstances that I have chosen to step down as Mr Gay South Africa and in my heart I know it is the best thing to do,” said Rogers in a letter to the Mr GSA organisers.
“I would like to thank everyone who has provided support for me along the way. You guys are the true lights of our community. I have met so many wonderful people and had amazing moments of working within the LGTBI community. Thank you to the Mr Gay South Africa organisation for the opportunities and all the hard work. Everyone I have come across has made an impact on my life and I thank you all for that.”
According to the rules of Mr GSA, should the winner of the competition be unable to fulfil his duties for whatever reason, the runner up is given the option to accept the position of Mr GSA.
After consulting with the Director for Africa and the Middle East of Mr Gay World, Coenie Kukkuk, an urgent meeting was held between the organisers and Steve Williams, first runner up to Rogers in the 2012/13 competition, to discuss the possibility of him fulfilling the duties of the title holder and representing South Africa in August.
Williams, who represented Mr GSA at the recent 2013 Limpopo Pride in Polokwane, said that he gladly accepted the position as the new Mr GSA.
“When I look at the recent Mr Gay South Africas and what they have accomplished, I have big shoes to fill. I am honoured to be given this opportunity and view it as an exciting challenge,” said Williams.
“I will work hard to be a positive role model for the LGBTI community and hopefully I will be able to make a difference. South Africa has had such great success in the Mr Gay World competition during the past three years. I am really honoured and humbled to have this opportunity to represent South Africa on the world stage and will do my best to bring the title back home,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Mr Gay World competition, Kukkuk said: “The organisers of Mr. GSA have consulted with the organisers of Mr. Gay World and received their consent to the resignation and appointment of Steve Williams as Mr GSA. We are confident that Steve will make an excellent candidate to represent South Africa. It should be noted that Steve holds the record for the highest score in the Mr. GSA written exam – so it is a question of having brains and brawn. We look forward to hosting him in Antwerp.”
Williams will be formally introduced to the community and the world as Mr GSA 2012/2013 at a special handover ceremony to be held at Beefcakes in Illovo, Johannesburg. Dates are to be confirmed.
Two previous Mr GSA titleholders have won the Mr. Gay World competition, namely Charl van den Berg in Oslo, Norway in 2010 and Francois Nel in Manila, Philippines in 2011. Mr. GSA 2011, Lance Weyer, was first runner-up when Mr. Gay World 2012 was hosted in Johannesburg in April 2012.
Mr GSA 2013/14 will be chosen at a glittering grand finale ceremony at the end of the year and will represent South Africa at the 2014 Mr Gay World competition.
44 Responses
Oh no! What a sad day for LGBTI community. Ouma Steve is now taking over.. There goes our Gay World win…
Calling Steve that makes you twelve years old – come to think of it, you actually sound it.
Sad.people like you are so close to ignorant you will propably see your Face in the oxford dictionary.Jason was never suitable .he was too immature. we need a MAN for the job and Steve is the right guy. organisers and judges have alot of explaining to do.
What hectic news! Were following Him all the way. There goes my interest in MR GSA and also support for Gay World. Let The runner up go do hes thing. Will always be a runner up in my eyes!
The last couple of months I had an idea that Jason appeared more in the background than I’m used to comparing him with previous Mr GaySA’s. It bothered me. Huge pity.
However, good luck to you finishing your studies, and good luck to Steve. He’ll need it.
A big blow for GSA to recover from! Bad bad bad… As Charl vd Berg went on on FB and Twitter, i thought he was the new gaysa Again…
Charl is with the Mr GSA organisation no – its on their website
Sad’ – you are stunning! Cant stop laughing re Ouma Steve. This is terrible news. Jason was the ultimate and had everything to bring back a 3rd win for South Africa. But we should respect him for his decision and wish him well and at the same time with Steve all the best!
Calling Steve that makes you twelve years old – come to think of it, you actually sound it.
Ag Frans please don’t judge me – I never made the initial comment. In all fairness ‘Sads’ statement was humorous. If you read the rest of my comment you would have seen that I was very supportive of both candidates.
Yogi bear? Do you know Jason personally? Cause if u did, u would know that he’s DEFF not selfish, self indulgent, or shallow!
So… If you open your mouth, speak of FACTS… Not of what you ‘think’ he is…
Love.
Rs
Dit is mense soos ‘Yogi Bear’ wat moffies slegte name gee.
Waar is die ondersteuning vir ons mede mens?
Yogi, jys seker n bitter ou moffie… Dik, en niks om voor te lewe nie!
Negatiwiteit is baie se ondergang!
ag my fok “me” lees yogi se comment weer waar gee hy gay gemeenskap slegte naam…? word groot ….jy is die bitter pil!!!!!
Sjoe! From a Sping Lamb to Mutton!
Hey All,
Let’s Give Steve a Fair chance to prove himself. To those who have an issue with his age I have one thing to ask: Do you have the guts, personality, looks and determination to make it all the way to the Mr Gay South Africa Finals? It takes more than a person’s age to win.
What a CHOP! Come on- when you accept to take on a role or function before you do it you ensure you know what you getting yourself into and be prepared for anything to happen along the way- being positive or negative! I liked this guy- thought he might be too young and clearly this shows in the outcome- pity…
Two beautiful men, one did a great job and I am sure the second one will do the same. Good luck guys.
I personally think that it is only fair that Steve is given a chance as well, as it was widely reported that he lost by a fraction of a percentage. He has proven he has brains and brawn as the article says. I also think that Jason was just too young at 23 and we have a better chance at world with Steve, although Jason was fine otherwise. Would be very interesting to see what happens
I think we can win again with Steve
Best of luck to Steve.
Jason.u wanker Why Did u take on the challenge in the 1ST PLACE.BLADDY HECK! pathetic
True words coudnt agree more.he should also give all his prizes back to sponsors.
totally agree.prizes should be returned by Jason.
You queens are all fuckedup!
Go Jason! Go Steve!
Yes! Jason must give hes used bonewear to steve! Lol!
If i recall the prices werent anything to brag about in the first place… Or is it second place now. Lolest
No second Place for Rogers.he has RESIGNED.he is No longer anything to gay SA.
It takes balls to quit for the right reasons. So, to Jason – much respect! To Steve, the best of luck to you.
get rid of that peacock hairstyle Jason Rogers.Its bigger than the tail between ur legs.
If you’re gay, it’s a sin. If you’re bisexual, you’re confused. If you’re skinny, you’re on drugs. If you’re fat, you look nasty. If you’re dressed up, you’re conceited. If you dress for comfort, you’re a slob. If you speak you’re mind, you’re a bitch. If you don’t say anything, you’re a punk. If you are sweet to strangers, you are fake. If you cry, you’re a drama queen. If you have male friends, you’re a slut. If you have female friends, you’re a player. YOU can’t do anything without being criticized. We live in a society where people can’t survive if they’re not judging the next person…
Well said!!! soooooooooooo agree
Obviously there is more here then they are telling us. Look at the past winners, all were in relationships and all of them didn’t last , if you look at them now even they can’t keep a relationship. Jason stood for gay couples from the start. Finaly a mr GSA who walks the walk … A relationship means more than a stupid sash and he is prooving it. What kind of community are we , that we fight for gay marriage but so easily break up happy couples ??? Jason is a role model because of who he is , not because of a title and that’s not going to change . You all need to grow up he did a good job and actually made a difference …. More than all u moaning queens. Its easy to throw harsh words Anonymously he stood up publicly for what he believes in.
Well said! Fuck GSA and all the previous winners , who are STILL single!!!!
If your relationship is not strong enough to withstand the attention you get as Mr Gay SA what good was it in the first place?
Jason chose love over attention! The others didnt. Much respect for Him and he’s decision.
Wow, now I see why I mostly mix with straight friends. What a bunch of bitter bitches a lot of you are. People make decisions and it is not for us to judge them. Good luck to both you guys
WELL SAID WAYNE!!!!!! Can’t agree more
i am very SHOCKED!!!! and sadden by this news only heard about this now…i got to know JASON and STEVE very well through FACEBOOK,e-mail and my interviews with them for ZEN ENTERTAINMENT … they are BOTH equally FIT to carry the title and represent the LGBTI community at the MR.GAY WORLD title….But at the same time i am very sad to hear this …Jason you are an amazing,kind ,warm hearted individual who carried the title with lots of grace and respect even thou it was only for a few months…YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE MY RESPECT …GOOD LUCK WITH THE FUTURE ….ZENJA COLLINS
Wow!!!! ZENJA COLLINS ….so exited to see your name again…been missing you on FACEBOOk and miss your interviews on ZEN eNTERTAINMENT ;( ….
You are so right on your comment on the title handover ..they are both fit for the title ….Jason we love you always ….Steve we know you will make us proud….both men have my vote….
At The same time Jason is leaving the title to an amazing LGBTI representative -STEVE WILLIAMS i know he will make us proud ….
just sad to see the LGBTI community always jumping at the first opportunity to slander others ..grow up .!!!!!!!!!!….love you JASON ….
Hell can you idiots out there just grow up! Stop being judge mental for Heavens Sake! Both of them deserve our respect and whatever their decisions and motivations are are purely their own business! Don’t see if any of you out there standing first in line to represent us, personally would be ashamed to have represent you judgemental idiots! Well done to both of you guys! All the best Steve with the new role!
Unfortunately it’s too easy to hide anonymously behind a computer screen. The stress and workload of Mr GSA will never be fully understood by someone not in the position or at least very close to the person. Not to meantion the poor guy has to hold down a full time job and deal with constant and relentless criticism. Both Jason and Steve are great examples to gay men in SA and will do us proud at Mr Gay World, unlike the Internet trolls on here. Good luck Steve!
Internet trolls? – now I like that. Made my day Lance