Mr Gay World SA crowns first man of colour
IN A huge move for the LGBTQI+ community, the Mr Gay World South Africa pageant saw first man of colour win the title.
Born and raised in Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal, and now alternating between Johannesburg and his hometown, Bonginkosi Ndima is the first person of colour to be crowned Mr Gay World SA, a landmark moment that is expected to move the Mr Gay World SA competition to a more inclusive and diverse community.
Ndima takes over from the incumbent Mr Gay World, Louw Breytenbach.
“The main reason I entered was to challenge ‘norms’ and the way people perceive gay men in general. I hope I will be an inspiration to all those gay boys out there, that they are also valid and that there’s nothing to be ashamed about when it comes to their sexuality. That they, too, can walk the same path that we have paved,” said Ndima.
The 37-year-old said his mission was to focus on mental health, not just the LGBTQI+ community, but men in general, and that he would do so through his foundation, Bongs Ndima Foundation.
Ndima has taken part in wellknown TV competitions such as Tropika Island of Treasures and the BarOne ManHunt.
He describes himself as “jack of all trades”.