The Barnyard Theatre in Menlyn, Pretoria erupted in applause, glitter and celebration on Saturday night as Jacques Gous was crowned Mr Gay World South-Africa 2026 following a dazzling evening that blended glamour, advocacy and deeply personal storytelling.
Siyabonga Shabalala was named first runner-up, while Gevaughn Brandt claimed second runner-up honours.
From Personal Struggle to National Title
For Gous, a mental health advocate from Bellville in the Western Cape, the crowning moment represented far more than a title. Growing up in a predominantly Afrikaans-speaking religious community where LGBTQ+ identities were often frowned upon, he has transformed years of personal struggle into a mission to create safe spaces for others facing addiction, anxiety and depression.
Moments after his win, an emotional Gous admitted that the reality of becoming the new Mr Gay World South-Africa had not yet fully settled in.
“I think it’s still sinking in, but it feels wonderful,” he told MambaOnline. “Never in my life would I have expected something like this to happen. Never.”
The newly crowned titleholder has become known for openly discussing his journey through addiction recovery, using his platform to challenge stigma and encourage honest conversations around mental health within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
Jacques Gous Opens Up About Addiction and Recovery
Speaking candidly after the competition, Gous reflected on how quickly his life spiralled after school.
“Addiction started after school, and it started slow, but it went very, very, very bad,” he said. “I had no money, living in the street, had no job. And I was at that point where I was like, it’s either you fix your life, or you die.”
He credited his mother and close friends for helping him find the strength to rebuild his life.
“My number one supporter, other than my friend that you just met, was my mother,” Gous shared. “She said, ‘If you don’t do something now, I have to ask you to leave home.’ And I did it. It opened my eyes.”
Gous also revealed that recovery has not been a linear journey.
“You don’t go to rehab once, and it’s fine. You’re not cured,” he explained. “Three years later, I started drinking again… and within six months, I was drinking half a litre to a litre of vodka a day. From that point onwards, I knew I needed to work on my life because this is not the life that I wanted to live.”
Now holding one of the country’s most visible LGBTQ+ titles, Gous says he plans to dedicate his reign to advocacy work and community upliftment.
“One thing on my mind is to do as much as possible,” he said. “That would be my main goal for this year. But other than that, I do my support groups.”
A Night of Glamour, Pride and Representation
Saturday night’s pageant was packed with glitz, glamour and fierce finalist energy as supporters, allies, former title holders, media and sponsors gathered to celebrate queer excellence under the theatre lights.
Hosted by Mr Gay World 2024 first runner-up John Bench Ortiz alongside drag performer Kendall Lee, the evening moved seamlessly between emotional moments and high-energy entertainment.
The top eight finalists lit up the stage across three fashion segments, each themed outfit carrying its own message and inspiration. From bold and dramatic runway looks to refined formalwear, contestants served elegance, confidence and unapologetic authenticity throughout the competition.
Pageantry With Purpose
Opening the evening, Mr Gay World Intercontinental and judge Tim Küsters delivered a powerful speech, reminding finalists and guests that pageantry within the LGBTQ+ community is rooted in advocacy and representation.
“Standing here at Mr Gay World Intercontinental is about more than wearing a sash or holding a title,” Küsters said. “It is a responsibility, a responsibility to represent people whose voices are often ignored.”
He continued: “Gentlemen, you are already winners. It takes real courage to stand in your truth so publicly, so proudly. Each of you carries a unique story, a purpose and a message that deserves to be heard.”
Why LGBTQ+ Visibility Still Matters in South Africa
Speaking to MambaOnline during the event, Mr Gay World owner and CEO, Wayne Rensch, stressed the importance of visibility-focused events in South Africa and across the African continent.
“We all know that in the whole African region, South Africa is the only country where it is actually legal for you to get married,” Rensch said. “Events like this show that we are here, we exist, and you do not need to invalidate us.”
He added that despite years of activism and legal victories, LGBTQ+ people still face exclusion and discrimination.
“The community needs more support. The community needs more voice, a platform that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community,” Rensch said. “No matter how long we have been fighting for our rights, we’re still not getting it. Events like this actually are for a reason, and that is for us to let them know that we’re not asking for too much.”
As the confetti settled and cameras flashed around the newly crowned winner, the evening ultimately became more than just a beauty pageant. It was a celebration of resilience, identity, recovery and visibility, with Gous now stepping into a national platform shaped as much by advocacy as by glamour.
