A new Mr Gay World South-Africa will be crowned this weekend.
It’s been 17 years since the first pageant, which was won by the late Charl van den Berg. He was soon crowned Mr Gay World, a first for a South African contestant.
Now, ten finalists across the Rainbow Nation will compete for the national title in just three days’ time.
MR GAY WORLD SOUTH-AFRICA 2026: EVENT INFO
The grand finale of the competition will take place at The Barnyard Theatre in Menlyn Park, Pretoria, this Saturday, 16 May 2026.
It is scheduled to start at 18:00.
Tickets cost between R150 and R349 for seating. No food or drinks may be brought into the venue. Fortunately, if you’re feeling a bit thirsty, there will be a cash bar, plus you will be able to purchase food.
MEET THE 2026 PAGEANT FINALISTS
Take a look at who’ll be competing in this year’s grand finale:
- Charl-Jaquairdo van Helsdingen
- Gevaughn Brandt
- Jacques Gous
- Justin Visagie
- Siyabonga Shabalala
- Thabang Duiker
- Thapelo Masongwa
- Thembelani Jonga
- Wickus Bouwer
- Xolani Mhlongo
Notably, Van Helsdingen previously won the title in 2019/2020. By the end of Saturday night, he or one of his fellow finalists will walk away from the pageant with the title.
ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP
In addition to the pageantry, there will also be plenty of performances to keep you entertained.
Here’s some of the news that will take to the stage at The Barnyard Theatre:
- Manila von Teez
- Genie Wish
- Julia Putter
- Kendall Li
‘BIG SHOWSTOPPER’
Per MambaOnline, Mr Gay World South-Africa Marketing & Operations Co-ordinator Leon Schoonraad promises that the finale will be a high-end spectacle of note.
“We’re having people flown in from all over the world who are going to be helping with the pageant and attending the evening,” Schoonraad said. “The visuals, the stage production, everything is phenomenal. We’ve planned months into this, and it’s really going to be a big showstopper.”
He also shared a glamorous glimpse of what to expect from the event. “We’ve got choreographers flying in from the Philippines who are going to choreograph our contestants. We’ve got amazing costumes lined up… and designer Don Cristobal from the Philippines has also sent our contestants designer clothing. So, it’s really going to be a big evening.”
If you’re ready to see who will become Mr Gay World South-Africa 2026, then head down to the finale in Pretoria this weekend!
