Jason Rogers was crowned the new Mr Gay South Africa 2012/13 at a glittering Grand Finale at the state-of-the-art Atterbury Theatre, Lynnwood Bridge, Pretoria.

The soon-to-be 23-year-old also won the titles of Bone Wear Model of the Year as well as the title of Mr College SA 2012 for Best Charity Work having collected over R13 000 as well as a bakkie-load of food for Wet Nose Rayton. 

Rogers has a degree in biomedical technology from Tshwane University of Technology and is in the process of applying for his master's degree from the same institution.

"When I was younger someone took the opportunity to help and saved my life, I hope one day I can repay the favour to someone else," Rogers said.

"But more than that I wish to be an example to the members of the LGBTI community, that it's not ok to do drugs, nor to sleep around with multiple partners with no protection and to be an example to live a happy and healthy life. I want the opportunity to educate people and to disprove stereotypes."

Coenie Kukkuk, founding and Operations Director, who announced his retirement from the competition as well as that of fellow director John-Louis O’Neil, told the audience, "This competition achieved much since its inception: two world titles, first-runner up with Lance Weyer in 2012 and hosting Mr Gay World in the same year,  but there are other deeds which are not awarded with accolades or are not in the public eye."

"The more than 30 different charities supported by the finalists through the years, of which there were 13 by the finalists this year, is proof that this is not a beauty pageant, but a competition, the search for the ultimate gay male, of which the LGBTI community can be proud. This competition is very dear to me and I shall still keep an eye in the year to come in the capacity as Director Africa and Middle East of Mr Gay World."

The first-runner up was Steve Williams from Johannesburg and the second-runner up was Brian Clough, one half of the identical Clough twins who both were finalists this year. Brian is from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga and is the first top-three placement from that province.

The finalists had to excell in charity work, ticket and ad sales, a written exam, sports challenge including horse riding, track and swimming, in-depth interviews, a group interaction, a talent show and administration duties. They also visited Flycatcher Castle in Graskop, God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon and the Kruger National Park where they were treated by SANPARKS to a game drive and luncheon.

Rogers will represent South Africa at Mr Gay World 2013 in August in Antwerp, Belgium.

Visit www.mrgsa.co.za for more.