Hey everyone! I am beyond excited to introduce you once again to the incredible Marnus Botha, who’s gearing up for the Mr Global South Africa 2025 journey! After supporting him in last year’s Mr South Africa pageant, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to witness first-hand his unstoppable energy, genuine passion, and absolute dedication to making a meaningful difference. Honestly, I can’t wait for you all to get to know him better—he’s genuinely one of the most inspiring, fun, and driven people I’ve had the pleasure to meet!
In our chat, Marnus opens up about his experiences, dreams, and even a few unexpected adventures along the way. From strategic planning at the City of Cape Town to the excitement of the pageant stage, he reveals how these worlds intersect in surprising ways, and how his passion for empowering communities drives everything he does. Trust me, you’ll definitely want to keep reading—his energy is infectious, his stories uplifting, and you’re bound to finish feeling inspired and ready to cheer him on!
I’m absolutely thrilled to have you here, Marnus! Can you share what sparked your excitement to join Mr Global South Africa 2025 and how this adventure is shaping your journey?
“After I placed in the Top 5 of Mr South Africa last year, I just knew my time and journey was not over yet. So many doors opened for me in the media and entertainment industry that I couldn’t help but welcome every opportunity with open arms.
What truly sparked my excitement was the Mr Global South Africa platform’s focus on empowering men to be leaders, role models and advocates for change. It’s not just about the title – it’s about using that position to influence others and inspire them to take action toward important social issues.
This adventure is shaping my journey by pushing me outside of my comfort zone and encouraging me to evolve in ways I hadn’t expected. The experience is helping me develop new skills, build relationships and discover deeper layers of my own character. Each stage of this competition is teaching me valuable lessons in resilience, confidence and leadership, which I hope to carry forward in my journey beyond Mr Global South Africa 2025.
I see this exciting new journey as another great international platform and opportunity to motivate and inspire people to pursue their dreams regardless of their background or circumstances.”
I love your energy – from strategic planning at the City of Cape Town to the pageant stage, what has been the most exhilarating moment in your journey so far?
“Reflecting on the journey from strategic planning at the City of Cape Town to the pageant stage, one of the most exhilarating moments has been when I realised how interconnected these two worlds really are. Both involve a deep commitment to making a positive impact and pushing boundaries in order to help those in need.
Something that particularly stands out for me is when I am presenting a proposal or new initiative at work I feel that same sense of empowerment and confidence I experienced on the pageant stage. The excitement and energy from both environments are quite similar but in different ways. On the pageant stage, it’s the adrenaline and the personal growth that comes with challenging myself in front of an audience, while in the City of Cape Town, it’s the satisfaction of seeing a strategy or plan come to life that contributes to the city’s development.
Both environments are exhilarating because they allow me to step up, take risks and embrace leadership in different ways. The common thread has been the opportunity to inspire others, whether it’s through a vision for the future of Cape Town or through the values I bring to the pageant stage. Every step so far has been an adrenaline rush in its own right, and it’s been a truly rewarding journey.”
I remember your previous experience with Mr South Africa – how did that high-octane journey fuel your passion and transform your outlook for this new challenge?
“Thank you for remembering my journey with Mr South Africa – it was truly an unforgettable experience! That exhilarating journey definitely played a pivotal role in fuelling my passion and shaping my outlook for the new challenge of Mr Global South Africa.
Competing in Mr South Africa was a transformative experience, one that pushed me to evolve both personally and professionally. It taught me the importance of resilience, discipline and authenticity. The challenges I faced helped me discover strengths I didn’t know I had, and the connections I made throughout that journey allowed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
What stood out most was the platform it gave me to advocate for causes that matter deeply to me, like inspiring the small town people with big dreams. It wasn’t just about the title; it was about being a leader and a role model. That experience fuelled my passion for making a tangible difference in people’s lives, and it gave me the confidence to pursue even greater challenges.
Now, as I step into the Mr Global South Africa competition, I feel more prepared than ever. The lessons I learned from Mr South Africa, especially about perseverance, humility and leadership, have given me a fresh perspective. I’m approaching this new challenge with a sense of purpose and determination, knowing that I’ve grown through the process. I’m excited to continue my journey, learn even more, and use this platform to amplify my voice and the causes I care about.”
I am eager to know, what moment made you realise that being a role model goes far beyond a title, and how do you keep that fire burning every day?
“I realised that being a role model goes far beyond any pageant title I will ever have. There were so many moments when I interacted with people during my pageantry journey where they shared how my story and actions had inspired them to push through their own struggles. These moments hit me hard because it made me see that being a role model isn’t about the accolades or recognition you receive; it’s about the impact you have on others’ lives, sometimes in ways you don’t even realise.
It’s the little things that matter – the way you carry yourself, how you handle challenges, and the way you treat others. Being a role model means living with integrity, showing kindness, and using your platform to uplift and empower those around you. I realised that every action I take, no matter how small, can influence someone’s path, and that responsibility is what makes the journey so meaningful.
To keep that fire burning every day, I focus on staying grounded in my purpose. I remind myself that every day is an opportunity to lead by example, whether it’s through my work, my interactions, or my advocacy. I also surround myself with people who inspire me to keep striving for greatness – people who are also committed to making a positive difference. Staying connected to my goals and my “why” helps me stay motivated, even on tough days. Ultimately, the desire to create a legacy of inspiration and positive change fuels me to keep going, no matter what challenges come my way.”
I am inspired by your work with the Somerset West Night Shelter – how does supporting this important cause energise you to make a difference in the community?
“I love volunteering at the Somerset West Night Shelter, which was originally established in 1988 and at the time only served single adults in the Helderberg area. Since 2020 they increased their services to accommodate homeless families with children. The Family Shelter is the only one of its kind in the Western Cape, catering for single mothers, single fathers and couples with children. They offer a wide range of services including skills training, rehabilitation and counselling. Their programs provide employment opportunities, school transport, social services and education. They also offer baby and toddler daycare, health and wellness support, coaching, life skills training and accommodation.
One of the events I supported thus far was their Daycare Gardening Day where we created a new and beautiful sensory garden for the babies and toddlers at the daycare by planting new plants and flowers, upgrading and painting fences as well as installing a sandbox.
I also started a clothing drive in collaboration with Thrift Street Online which is located on the same premises as the Somerset West Night Shelter. All the proceeds from the sold clothing items will be donated to the shelter.
Supporting this charity energises me to make a difference in the community because I can physically see the positive impact it has on people’s lives. I have seen how sharing stories of hope and resilience can inspire individuals to reignite their passion for change.”
I’d love to hear how you blend your demanding career with your pageant commitments, and what keeps you charged up on your busiest days!
“Balancing a demanding career with pageant commitments is very challenging but also rewarding. I am a firm believer in the following:
- Time Management: I create schedules to allocate time for both work and pageant activities, which helps reduce stress and enhance my productivity.
- Setting Goals: Clear, achievable goals keep me focused and motivated in both areas.
- Self-Care: Prioritising self-care, through exercise and breaks, helps maintain my energy levels. This is something that we all tend to neglect!
- Support System: I rely on a strong network of family and friends for encouragement. Without their support I would not be able to achieve anything.
- Celebrating Wins: Acknowledging both big and small achievements keeps me motivated and engaged.”
I can see that your father’s influence shines through your every move – could you share how his guidance has driven you to reach new heights?
“My father has definitely been my biggest inspiration in my journey so far. He unfortunately suffered a severe stroke a couple of years ago, which subsequently led to him being in a wheelchair, requiring daily care. He was in a coma for about a week but kept on fighting to stay alive for his family. He has definitely taught me to never give up and to chase my dreams no matter how big they are.”
I am curious, what personal values and experiences empower you to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for young South Africans?
“My personal values and experiences empower me to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for young South Africans in several ways. Working in a community-focused environment at the City of Cape Town, I have learned the importance of giving back and uplifting those around me. This inspires me to encourage the youth in our country to start participating in our country’s democracy by registering to vote. Their voices truly matter and are so important for the future prosperity of our nation.
I believe that my own challenges I faced during my life have taught me the importance of resilience. Sharing my journey will help young people to understand that setbacks can be stepping stones to success. One personal value that I deem to be very important is that of empathy, which helps me to connect with young people on a personal level. By showing kindness and understanding, I aim to always foster a supportive environment.”
I know you face challenges head-on – how do you maintain your high-energy spirit and positivity, even when the going gets tough?
“Maintaining a high-energy spirit and positivity, especially during challenging times, requires a combination of mindset practices and supportive habits.
I always try to focus on adopting a growth mindset in every situation by viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. This perspective helps me stay optimistic and resilient in the face of difficulties.
I am a huge believer in self-care! For me personally, it is hitting the gym every day. I love the feeling that you have during an intense workout where the world around you becomes silent and I can just focus on myself and clear my mind in order to nurture my well-being.
By combining these practices, I strive to maintain my high-energy spirit and positivity, empowering me to face challenges with resilience and optimism.”
I would be delighted to hear about any fun and unexpected moments during your preparation that made you smile and kept your spirits high!
“Preparing for Mr Global South Africa thus far has been an incredible experience and I am so excited to see where this journey goes for me.
One unexpected moment that stood out for me was when the announcement was made that the entries for Mr Global South Africa was officially open and so many people called, messaged and sent me DMs to encourage me to enter! The fact that complete strangers from social media believe in me and want to see me succeed is still such a wild concept to me. It is of course a really good feeling to know that so many people support you!”
I am excited by your vision – how do you plan to use your title as Mr Global South Africa 2025 to create a lasting impact on our communities?
“If I would have the honour of being selected as the next Mr Global South Africa 2025, I want to use my current work environment at the City of Cape Town in the infrastructure planning and delivery space and combine that with the Mr Global South Africa platform to reach the communities that are being left behind and to uplift those people who felt like they have lost all hope.
The people in our country truly have the power to be anything they dream of becoming and I want to provide them with the necessary tools and opportunities to become important role models in society.
It’s the year 2025 and I think that there should be no reason for any citizen in our country to not have access to basic services and infrastructure, which I believe is one of the most important building blocks for people to thrive.”
I’d love to know what new adventures you have in store that will highlight your vibrant personality and commitment to positive change!
“Well since our last interview, I have become a proud dad to a beautiful baby boy. Now that is a new adventure all on its own with a lot of challenges, but I am loving every second of it! Being a dad has deepened my commitment to advocate for issues that affect families and children and that is one of the reasons why I selected the Somerset West Night Shelter as my official charity during my Mr Global South Africa journey. If I can instil my commitment to positive change within my son then I feel like my duty as a dad would be complete.
An exciting event that is coming up is the Somerset West Night Shelter’s annual Art and Wine Auction in July where all proceedings from the event will be donated to the shelter. My love for wine and art definitely forms part of my vibrant personality so this event is a match made in heaven for me!”
I am fascinated by how you turn everyday challenges into opportunities – can you share how this mindset shapes your journey both on and off the stage?
“Absolutely! Cultivating a mindset that turns everyday challenges into opportunities can profoundly shape one’s journey, both on and off the stage.
One thing that I have learned is to always be resilient. On stage, unexpected challenges like technical difficulties or a wardrobe malfunction can be daunting. However, viewing these as opportunities to adapt and improvise can actually enhance your performance. People will also then relate to you more since we are all humans at the end of the day and mistakes do happen!
Off the stage, I always try to have a “growth mindset” in order to maintain a continuous learning approach to every challenge or situation. When faced with difficulties, instead of viewing them as failures, I see them as valuable lessons. This attitude has helped me to foster a willingness to experiment, to take risks and ultimately develop skills that enrich both my personal and professional life.
By transforming challenges into opportunities, I feel more empowered in my journey both on and off the stage. It cultivates a proactive attitude that encourages seeking solutions rather than dwelling on problems. I have seen first-hand how contagious this feeling of empowerment can be to inspire others to adopt a similar mindset.”
I am eager to learn, what does it feel like to be living your passion every day, and how does that energy inspire those around you?
“Living your passion every day is an incredibly fulfilling experience that often radiates positive energy and inspires those around you in profound ways that you didn’t even realise.
Personally, I try to wake up excited every day, which instils a deeper sense of purpose for me. When I am engaged in work or activities that resonate with my values and interests, it fuels my motivation. This passion creates a drive to push through challenges and continuously seek improvement.
When you’re passionate about something, that enthusiasm naturally spills over into your interactions with others. I believe that people are naturally drawn to positivity and optimistic energy, and when they see someone who is genuinely excited about what they do, it can lift their spirits and inspire them to pursue their own passions.
Vulnerability and authenticity are two aspects in my opinion that can inspire people around you to also find things that they’re passionate about. Sharing your own journey of living your passion with others, including the triumphs and struggles, creates an open dialogue about what it means to truly pursue your dreams.”
Finally, with all the enthusiasm and ambition you bring, what is the one powerful message you want to shout out to every young South African watching your journey unfold?
“The one powerful message I’d love to share with every young South African watching my journey unfold is this: “Embrace your unique voice and never underestimate the impact you can make!”
I am excited to share with you how you can support Marnus in his journey to become Mr Global South Africa 2025. I truly believe in his vision and passion, and I urge you to vote for him with all your heart. Here is how you can cast your vote:
Voting Instructions:
- SMS Voting:
Send the message “WIN MGSA12” to 47439. Each SMS costs R3, and every SMS equals one vote. (Please note that free SMS do not apply.) - Bulk Voting:
If you prefer to cast multiple votes, you can use the following banking details:
Bank: Capitec
Account Holder: Mr Global SA
Account Type: Savings Account
Account Number: 1592506621
Branch Code: 470010
Reference: Voting MGSA12
(Every R3 contributed via bank transfer counts as one vote.)“
Please remember that voting closes on 26 July 2025.
Important Dates to Note:
- 1 April 2025: Announcement of the Finalists
- 12 April 2025: Sashing Ceremony at The Social Grill in Pretoria at 17:00 (Entrance fee: R50)
- 9 May 2025: Charity Event for Mr Global South Africa 2024, Anton Siebert at the Barnyard in Krugersdorp
- 5 July 2025: Pink Drive Breast Cancer Fundraiser at Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg
- 26 July 2025: Finale Gala Event for Mr Global South Africa 2025
- 26 September – 5 October 2025: The winner will represent South Africa at Mister Global in Thailand
For any further details, feel free to contact Marnus directly on 072 410 2481 or via email at marnusbotha8@gmail.com.
Your support is vital. Please take a moment to vote for Marnus and help him achieve this remarkable opportunity. Every vote is a step closer to showcasing the best of South Africa on the global stage.
- Marnus official sponsor:
“Braaibroekies is my official sponsor during my Mr Global South Africa 2025 journey.
Braaibroekies is a local and proudly South African brand that manufactures braaibroekies, which are made from 100% cotton dishcloths; locally produced.
The company started out with only the original braaibroekie, but have expanded to selling braai aprons, Christmas hats and stockings, double oven mitts, hats, socks, long pants and button shirts
I have a very good and long standing relationship with the owners, Jason and Natasha who have graciously offered to be my official sponsor. I have successfully collaborated with Braaibroekies in the past and I’m excited to continue my relationship with this brand this year.”
You can visit their website at www.braaibroekies.co.za and follow them on Instagram at braaibroekies
- Prize package for winner of Mr Global South Africa 2025
The winner of Mr Global South Africa 2025 will receive a prize package valued at over R110 000. This exceptional package includes:
- R5 000 in cash
- A personal website provided by SEO Business
- A stylish watch from The Good Living Co.
- A three-month supply of drinkable collagen from Cavaliah Aesthetics Health and Wellness
- A mid-week vacation stay for two at the Castello at Kruger
- A luxury hamper from Veaudry
- Another hamper from Hannons
- Sunglasses from Hashtag Bamboo
- A trip to Thailand to represent South Africa on the international stage
Follow his journey on social media:
- Facebook: Marnus Botha
- Instagram: marnusbotha_8
- X: MarnusBotha8
- TikTok: marnusbotha8
- Snapchat: marnusbotha8
Thank you for the wonderful article and your support in my Mr Global South Africa journey!