Another Week of Excitement

Hi All,

This past week has once again made me realise the extent of my responsibilities and work involved as the worldwide spokesperson for the LBGT community. I have tried to live my life as normal as possible, but my title has shown me that things are not always as they appear. There is an element of normality, unknown and the expanse that is the rest of the world. The gravity of the unknown and the world is making me realise that you need an experienced and committed team to help you deal with your professional and personal life on a global scale.

My team and I have been working on various issues, but this requires serious multi-tasking, to make everything happen concurrently. As a result, I have completed a full-length interview, nearly 20-minutes long, with a production crew for a national TV show. I had to fly into Johannesburg late on Thursday evening, to secure my Canadian Visa, and as part of my International travel itinerary. However, upon my arrival at 22H30, I had to do an interview for a Canadian Breakfast show, which showed me that somewhere in the world someone is awake and doing business.

I thought that my weekend would be restful leading up to my departure, but Saturday started at 07H30 to get ready for my first Social Event, where International Performers, Business People and VIP guests had confirmed their attendance. The guest list was overwhelming and a true baptism of fire to the world of hosting a function for influential people – business and social. Nevertheless, the event was a great success with The Twelve Tenors spending most of the day with my team and me. We (my Business Manager and me) had individuals like Jennifer Su (Radio & TV Personality), Edith Venter (PR Guru & Socialite) and her husband Johnny, Isla Galloway (Chairperson of Dauphin), Anne Power (Legendary Performer), Wilco Stemmett (Businessman), Liane Luriel (Prima Ballerina from SA Ballet) and Bennie Louw (Businessman) in attendance.

The event and atmosphere was so relaxed that it became an informal affair, where everyone kick-backed and appreciated the venue, company and comfortable surrounds. Formalities were quickly forgotten and we began to have fun making a cream mustache competition with our "new" friends from abroad – this showed me that no matter who are, a local celebrity or international performer, we are all just people that want to have fun and be ourselves. All societal expectations, pretences and norms get ignored – we are all just people being people having some fun.

After a hectic morning and start to the weekend, there was barely time for me to get ready for the airport before the flight to Canada. Anyway, I am now finally on my way to Vancouver, and will update you when you when I get back to SA. However, I must thank the following people, companies, for my time in Johannesburg and assisting with the event.

• Le Carnard Restaurant - official restaurant, host and venue in Johannesburg
• Serwala – Chauffeur's to The Twelve Tenors for our function
• Bone Wear – Wilco and co. for designing the Swagbag of swimwear and underwear for the Twelve Tenors and our guests
• The Cupcake Boutique (Colleen) – Designing our cupcakes for the function
• Tania Miles – Personalised flower arrangements and gifts
• Bennie Louw – Venue and Catering
• Gavin Borrageiro – Guest list, PR (incl. The Twelve Tenors) and Expense Management
• Travel with Flair – Canadian Visa assistance and submission

  I look forward to updating and chatting to you when I get back from Canada.

Cheers for now

Charl

Life since winning the World Title

Wow! What an amazing experience and first two weeks. I want to thank you all personally for supporting me in my endeavours and goal of representing South Africa on a global stage. My fellow competitors were amazing and taught me a significant amount in diversity, cultural adversity and the challenges the LBGT community faces. This has clearly set the goals and objectives for my reign as their global spokesman and new Ambassador.

My first few days back home has made me realise the extent of the tasks that lay ahead, and it has been a whirlwind of events and interviews. However, the most humbling aspect has been the support I have received from all the communities within South Africa, and has made me proud to be a part of the Rainbow Nation that Mr. Mandela envisaged nearly four decades ago. I am proudly South African and embrace the diversity, potential and prospects the country offers on the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Since, returning from my first trip abroad, I need to acknowledge the work and effort the local committee from Mr. Gay SA played in making the event possible and my representation in Oslo possible. Also, the sponsors and supporters of the event have made it comparable to other (major) local pageants.

As a result, my new independent advisors and publicists have enabled me to transition onto the global arena in a seamless manner, which has allowed me to maintain a sense of normality for the moment. Finally, a big thank you to the South African public, Mr. Gay SA, Mr. Gay World, Bone Wear, Collett Dawson and Gavin Borrageiro for everything you have done to help me since my return to SA.

Cheers for now
Charl

2010-A YEAR OF PROBABILITIES!

Hey there all!
Well I trust everybody has recovered from the Christmas and New Years celebrations! Oh, a Happy New Year to you all! Cape Town is most certainly getting back to normal with most of the holiday makers having left for home and their normal lives. Not for too long though, as already we are making room for the influx of people that will be gracing our shores for the Soccer World Cup!!!

I can’t help but feel excited about this year! With such a hectic one behind us, the world is our oyster and yes, this year it’s not about POSSIBILITY, but PROBABILITY! I believe that whatever we put our minds to this year will PROBABLY come to pass! If you have a dream, a goal or a purpose, then this year is the year for you!! This year is the year it will PROBABLY happen!!! We are in such a privileged position in SA and I am reminded of the incredible impact our country felt at the 1995 Rugby World Cup! Remember how one event like that brought an entire nation together when we needed it the most? Remember how during that time people did not care about differences, but instead looked to the one thing that united them? Once again we are at that place! And if there is a difference to be made in our country and continent this year, then it is up to each and every one of us to find that ONE thing that unites us! And let me tell you, it’s not just the Soccer World Cup!
So this year is going to be a busy one for Mr Gay South Africa. As I was sitting with my diary last night, I realised how quickly 365 days are going to go by! But it’s going to be exciting and PROBABLY, at the end of it, we will be able to say, we made a difference! In a month from now, I’ll be heading to Oslo, Norway to compete in the Mr Gay World Ambassador Competition along with 32 other guys! I’m the only one representing not just SA, but also Africa. It is an honour to represent such an incredible country and continent that has so much to offer this world! I will make you all proud and fly the banner as high as I possibly can!

As for other events happening this year, watch this space! It’s going to be a year we will PROBABLY never forget!

Cheers for now
Charl