Privileged, honoured and thrilled. These are just a few of the words that describe how I felt when being named as one of the Semi-Finalists for Mr South Africa 2012. The Semi-finalists are required to set up a blog on the net (which is my portfolio) and this is my very first Post as one of the Semi-Finalists chosen in this year’s Mr South Africa. I’m sure the past entrants of Mr SA went through the same mix of emotions when first being told about making the semi-finals. I must say I look up to all of them for what they went through and now know what they felt. We as MR SA Semi-Finalists are required to host fundraising events and try to raise sufficient funds for a worthy foundation chosen by the Mr SA team. This year we as Semi-Finalists support the Chrysalis Foundation. The purpose of this foundation is to uplift, equip and educate girls from 14-18 who have been physically and mentally traumatised with a life skills course to cope with the crime perpetrated against them. It’s such a worthy charity that enables each girl to reach their full potential in life. I have placed the banking details of the foundation on this page for anyone who would like to donate and will be left here up on my page for the remainder of the competition. Future events will be posted soon for those of you who want to help and get involved. In the meantime I think it would be a great start by telling those of you who don’t know me, more about myself.

My name is Brad Jay van Wyk, I grew up in Auckland Park in Johannesburg and turn 24 this year. Life for me growing up was truly unique and very unusual for most youngsters. I grew up watching and learning from my father who was a sound producer and at that time was unaware that this would eventually pave the way for what I would be doing. At the age of 15 I became a radio host on my very own radio show on 93.9fm and with this the youngest radio presenter in South Africa. I hosted my own show for many years and learned valuable life lessons during that time from successful musicians, actors and influential personalities at a very young age. I can certainly say that this gave me the self assurance I posses today. Even though juggling a full time radio show along with school academics at a young age was tough, I thrived on challenges. I skied from the age of 5 years old on the vaal river and played many sports but excelled in Tennis and played first team in High School as well as Marks Park. After finishing my Matric year in Northcliff High School I decided to further my studies and enrolled at the University of Johannesburg. Here, I studied my Marketing and Communications Degree and graduated in 2010. Whilst busy completing my degree, I presented various live shows, functions, launches and events as well as modelling on the side line to pay for my studies. I also took on becoming a wellness consultant at Senshi Wellbeing Gym and I qualified as an Indoor Cycle Instructor from the Cycle Laboratory in JHB. Health, fitness and exercise have always been a focus point of mine. Even though I was busy studying my degree at university I felt that I could take on more, as I believe that your ability is only limited by your mind set. I am an advocate in helping others less fortunate by giving my time, shedding experience and knowledge and have done so from a young age. Through my radio show on 93.9fm I was the ambassador for community outreach projects since 2004. I have had an incredible upbringing thanks to my parents as well as a solid Christian foundation which has helped me remain focused in realising my potential.

Now with all that out the way, I promise my next post won’t be as long. I’m not sure what the Mr South Africa 2012 competition has in store for me but what I do know is that I will strive to do the best I can throughout this entire experience and I will embrace every moment. This will be the first of many blog updates from me so be sure to keep coming back. I wish all the other Semi-Finalists the best during this time. I’m truly excited about this new chapter in my life and will be brave in my efforts. Like the great Nelson Mandela once said ‘The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.’

Sincerely
Your Mr South Africa 2012 Semi-Finalist

Brad Jay