The Mr Gay Nation SA pageant describes itself as a celebration of diversity, inclusivity and talent within the LGBTQIA+ community. The pageant aims to provide a platform for self-expression, creativity and leadership, while encouraging contestants to advocate for inclusivity, equality and positive change.
With the message “Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Proud”, Mr Gay Nation SA encourages gay men across South Africa to step forward, express themselves and become more visible within their communities.
The 2026 competition will culminate in the Mr Gay Nation SA Grand Finale on 27 September 2026 at the Barnyard, Menlyn. The evening will feature live entertainment, fashion presentations, performances, surprises and the crowning of the 2026 Mr Gay Nation SA champion.
Meet the 2026 finalists, listed alphabetically by first name.
André Jonkers
Age: 40 | Representing: Kuilsriver, Western Cape
André Enver Jonkers, known as AJ, was born and raised in Cape Town and comes from a close-knit family. He has a Bachelor’s pass with distinction in Accounting and has worked in the insurance industry, while also qualifying as a professional makeup artist. His interests include cooking, reading, exploring new places and creative work. AJ has contributed to community initiatives including the Lizl Hair Whizz matric project and UNLIMITED The Movement. Entering Mr Gay Nation SA, he hopes to promote inclusivity across identities and inspire people to be authentic, with his values centred on integrity, loyalty, transparency and equality.
Arì Nieuwoudt
Age: 31 | Based in: Gauteng
Arì Nieuwoudt is an entrepreneur and creative who runs a grooming parlour and an online aquarium store, while also working in modelling and entertainment. He was crowned Artistic Face of Africa in 2014 and has completed several modelling courses and certifications. Arì is passionate about adventure, nature, animals and creative expression, and advocates for mental health awareness among men, animal welfare, anti-racism and youth development. Having faced personal mental health challenges, he says these experiences have shaped his resilience and purpose. Through Mr Gay Nation SA, he hopes to advocate, inspire and create a lasting legacy.
Frik de Witt
Age: 41 | From: Benoni
Frik de Witt grew up on a farm in the Free State before moving to the city at the age of 10. He works as a Project Manager and part-time Mind and Body Practitioner, having built his career from a sales background without attending university. Outside work, he enjoys painting, baking, cooking and gardening, and has maintained his own sourdough starter for more than three years. Frik has volunteered with the SPCA and participated in initiatives supporting elderly communities. He is particularly passionate about inclusion and creating spaces where people feel welcomed and valued, and entered the pageant after being encouraged by a friend.
Giovanni Lenyora
Age: 35 | Representing: Kimberley
Giovanni Lenyora, also known as Geigh or G, is a gay paraplegic and creative who has used a wheelchair for the past five years. He recently graduated from film school and works as a sales consultant for a leading South African clothing brand. Giovanni also runs a YouTube platform where he shares his experiences of living as a gay person in a wheelchair and raises awareness about LGBTQIA+ and disability issues. Passionate about fashion and design, he is also a clothing designer and hopes to open his own boutique. Through Mr Gay Nation SA, he aims to promote visibility and inclusion for marginalised communities and encourage people to embrace their individuality.
Jaunnés Bergh
Profession: South African National Defence Force member
Jaunnés Bergh has served in the South African National Defence Force for more than 17 years. His professional life is characterised by a commitment to service, discipline and integrity, while outside of work he is involved in community upliftment and animal welfare. He has a strong appreciation for the outdoors and nature and values meaningful community involvement. Jaunnés identifies authenticity, compassion and service to others as central to his values. Through Mr Gay Nation SA, he hopes to continue living these values while encouraging others to lead with purpose, kindness and integrity.
Shaun Smit
Age: 30 | Based in: Nigel
Shaun Smit was born and raised in Pretoria before settling in Nigel. He works as a Pool Service Supervisor, overseeing operations, managing teams and specialising in water chemistry and maintenance. He has a qualification in Film, Television and Video Production and is passionate about reading and writing, with plans to submit his own manuscript for publication. Shaun has also participated in cancer awareness and charity initiatives, including the Hollard Daredevil Run and community running events. Having experienced bullying and a difficult coming-out journey, he is particularly committed to supporting people who feel unseen or misunderstood. Through Mr Gay Nation SA, he hopes to promote authenticity, courage and individuality and encourage people to live openly and without fear of judgement.
Sibusiso Dube
Age: 31 | From: Vosloorus, based in Randburg
Sibusiso Dube works as a Claims Administrator and volunteers as a Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator. His community work has included education drives, sanitary towel distributions, disability support programmes and contributions to old age homes and early childhood development centres. A dancer, choreographer, poet and vocalist, he also uses theatre and performance to address issues including HIV/AIDS, poverty and human rights. Sibusiso advocates for LGBTQ+ visibility, education, accessible mental health support, inclusive policies and stronger communities, while also supporting youth through free dance classes and community drives. He entered Mr Gay Nation SA as a way to turn his personal journey into healing and purpose, guided by values of equality, authenticity, empowerment, compassion, community and integrity.
The road to the crown
The finalists will continue their journey towards the Mr Gay Nation SA 2026 Grand Finale, where they will compete for the title.
The finale takes place on 27 September 2026 at Barnyard, Menlyn, with live entertainment, fashion, performances and the crowning of the new champion.
Tickets are available through Howler.
