In Pictures: South Africa's first Mr Ugly crowned

05 September 2016 - 14:37 By Times LIVE
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

The first of its kind in South Africa, The Mr Ugly pageant was held in Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, at the Bit by Bit nightclub, which is owned by former judge David Ntshangase.

Nine entrants competed  for a grand prize of R1 000, while the runner-up  walked away with R500. The competition was won by Simon Mpuyazi after a long evening.

David Ntshangase decided to hold the pageant in order for those who feel that they are ugly,  to go away from the competition feeling that they too are worthy of celebration and recognition.



STRANGE BUT TRUE: Rivals line up for their unusual contest.
 

'Ugly and fat people are among the most discriminated against people. You always get beautiful people competing and no one gives ugly people a chance to showcase themselves. Every human was crafted with the same hand of creation', said Ntshangase, who claims that hes not handsome himself and can relate to the entrants.



MULTITASKING: One of the three judges was actor, writer, producer, director, singer and businessman Joe Mafela.
 

The nine entrants were put through their paces in front of a large crowd and three judges , with one of the judges being personality Joe Mafela. The counterpart  of the competition has long been held in Zimbabwe, where Mison Sere is the reigning king.



Thulani Ngcobo poses for a portrait backstage.
 

Organisers of the unique and highly-publicised Mr Ugly Zimbabwe pageant have launched the inaugural Mr Ugly Africa and Mr Ugly World at a Harare restaurant.

Mr Ugly Africa pageant is pencilled for Johannesburg, South Africa between November and December this year while Mr Ugly World will be in Zimbabwe next year.



CHEERS: There was robust support aplenty from the audience.
 
SMOKE ’EM: Qhude Hlophe was among the nine competitors for the R1 000 grand prize or the R500 prize for runner-up.
 


Runner up:  Lucky Mdenge.
 


Winner Simon Mpuyazi is congratulated.  



Winner Simon Mpuyazi (MIDDLE) with runners up, Alfred Jobe (L) and Lucky Mdenge, after the results were announced.
 
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now