Charl van den Berg (28) is Mr. Gay South Africa and is representing South Africa in Worldwide Mr. Gay 2010 in Oslo, Norway.

SOUTH AFRICA

Name: CHARL VAN DEN BERG

Age: 28

Hobbies: I like reading, playing music (I play the guitar and sing), extreme sports (whenever I get the chance to), hanging out with my friends, and actually one of my favorite past-times is to just sit and watch people in the ordinary passing of life!

Profession: I currently run a gay friendly restaurant in Sea Point Cape Town, and would like to do my diploma in business management in 2010 as I strive to have my own business someday.

My role model: Well, I couldn’t say I just have one role model. There have been so many inspiring people from history and currently, so I like to draw inspiration form them all. People I can mention is Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, to name but a few, and to be honest I draw a lot of inspiration from my mother, who has been able to stand strong in her life regardless of the difficulty she has faced.

Dream date: Jonathan Rhys Meyers…..shjo…those eyes! But closer to home – the gorgeous Brazilian dancer I met on a cruise recently!

Favorite moment in life: Honestly, to have been chosen as Mr. Gay South Africa! It is such an honour to represent my community and my country. I have learnt so much about myself and still learn everyday. And am still in awe of the magnitude of it!

Zodiac: Sagittarius

Marital status: I keep it as civil as possible!

Statement: It is my understanding that people are people before we are different. As with Mr. Gay South Africa, it is my aim to help break down stereotypes and differing mindsets in the global community and promote oneness and equality for all people by bridging the gap between those mindsets. Worldwide Mr. Gay presents me with a platform to work from and creates an opportunity in which to do that and it would be an honor to serve the global community in this capacity!