A director and model from Cradock’s Refine and Render Pageants & Modelling Management, are going to represent South Africa in Mister Universe International and Mister Teen Universe International competitions respectively later this year.
Mawande Qeqe, who will compete in the Mister Universe competition, and Lithemba Tuta, who will compete in the Mister Teen Universe competition, will be travelling to Panama City in October this year to compete for the titles.
Mister Universe International will be having it’s sixth edition in 2022, with representatives from at least 30-40 countries.
The Mister Universe organisation seeks to promote tourism education and youth development in various parts of the world.
The title holders become ambassadors of the organisation to embrace and promote the diversity which exists worldwide.
Qeqe was previously crowned Mister Glam International first runner-up in 2019 in the Philippines. He also represented South Africa on Manhunt International and Mister Tourism World 2018.
His other achievements include Sir Africa 2018, first prince of Sir Tourism South Africa 2018, Mister South Africa semi-finalist and face of Extreme Models in 2016 and 2017.
Currently, Qeqe is a post-graduate diploma student in internal auditing and a director and pageant coach of Refine and Render. His passion is mental health with a hashtag, “Men do Cry”.
As someone who once suffered with major depression, he wants to use his voice to help and educate young boys and men that it is “okay not to be okay”.
Qeqe plans to launch his campaign in mid-May, as it is World Mental Health month.
Tuta (16) is a Grade 10 learner at Cradock High School.
He is the 2022 Mister Teen Glam International third runner up. Other achievements are Mister Junior King of the Universe and Mister Junior Rainbow Nation 2021.
He will continue with his project by working with the Cradock Animal Shelter and making sure that the shelter has enough food and blankets.
