For Mxolisi Ntjani, winning the Mr eMalahleni title is not simply a moment of recognition. The 24-year-old says the sash should carry a responsibility to serve, particularly among young people in Hlalanikahle and elsewhere in the city.
Ntjani was crowned at the Mr eMalahleni pageant held at the New Life Church Hall on 12 September. The achievement has taken him from the streets where he grew up to a public platform that he hopes to use for conversations about confidence, identity and the pressures facing young men.
“When they called my name, I thought about Hlalanikahle – the dusty streets where I grew up and the kids who watch me. It’s proof that a boy from the kasi can dream and achieve.”
He described the result as both unexpected and humbling, linking the title to the children in his community who look to him as an example. His account places his upbringing at the centre of his public role, rather than presenting the pageant as an individual accomplishment removed from the neighbourhood that shaped him.
Challenging ideas about men and modelling
Ntjani also sees the pageant stage as a way to challenge assumptions about masculinity. He said modelling should be understood through qualities such as confidence, discipline and cultural representation, rather than being restricted by gender.
His route into modelling was marked by uncertainty and concern about how others would respond to a young man entering the field. He identified self-belief as his biggest personal obstacle, saying he had to continue appearing and participating despite fear and criticism. That experience now informs the encouragement he offers to other young men considering modelling.
“Being a king is not about the sash; it’s about service. I want to be a king who listens – a king who goes back to schools in Hlalanikahle and eMalahleni to talk to boys about self-love, gender-based violence (GBV), and purpose.”
A 12-month focus on social challenges
During his 12-month reign, Ntjani said he intends to focus on issues that affect young people and families. His stated priorities are:
- Gender-based violence and sexual abuse;
- Drug and alcohol abuse;
- School-based discussions with boys about self-love, purpose and responsibility; and
- Being present and accessible in the communities connected to his title.
He said he is committed to working with the eMalahleni Municipality on these concerns, although the available account does not set out the details of any formal programme or partnership. His stated approach is to return to schools and engage directly with boys, giving the pageant title a community-facing dimension.
From personal achievement to public responsibility
Ntjani credits his family, his sister, the wider pageant community and children in his neighbourhood for sustaining his motivation. He described himself as community-minded and focused on youth work and his family, while acknowledging that the expectations attached to a public title can be demanding.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Mr eMalahleni |
| Winner | Mxolisi Ntjani, 24 |
| Pageant venue | New Life Church Hall |
| Pageant date | 12 September |
| Reign | 12 months |
His message to aspiring male models is direct: begin, despite social expectations or fear. Ntjani says the stage should be open to young men who want to express themselves and represent their communities. For the new king of eMalahleni, the value of the title will ultimately be measured less by the ceremony and more by whether he remains visible, listens to young people and follows through on the issues he has placed at the centre of his reign.
