He’s more than just a title contender. He’s a father. A dreamer. A man with purpose. BCRMAG sits down with Mister Global South Africa 2025 finalist Marnus Botha, who’s redefining what masculinity, leadership, and legacy look like in the South African context.
🎙️ BCRMAG EXCLUSIVE | MEN OF ESSENCE: MARNUS BOTHA – MISTER GLOBAL SA 2025 FINALIST
He’s more than just a title contender. He’s a father. A dreamer. A man with purpose. BCRMAG sits down with Mister Global South Africa 2025 finalist Marnus Botha, who’s redefining what masculinity, leadership, and legacy look like in the South African context.
🔹 THE JOURNEY | “A TITLE IS TEMPORARY. PURPOSE IS PERMANENT.”
BCRMAG: First up – congratulations, Marnus! What inspired you to step onto the Mister Global South Africa stage in 2025?
Marnus: Thank you so much! After placing in the Top 5 of Mr South Africa in 2024, I knew I wasn’t done. Mister Global SA stood out for me because of its commitment to developing men of purpose – leaders who do more than just wear the crown. I entered this platform not just for the spotlight, but to stand for something bigger – to influence change and show others what’s possible.
BCRMAG: What has this journey been like for you – emotionally, personally, and spiritually?
Marnus: Transformational. It started as a personal challenge, but it evolved into something sacred – a calling to grow, serve, and lead. Being named one of the Men of Essence reminded me that authenticity matters. This isn’t just a competition; it’s a platform to shape lives – including my own.
🔹 IDENTITY & REPRESENTATION | “REAL MASCULINITY IS ROOTED IN LOVE.”
BCRMAG: Mister Global SA celebrates men who uplift and inspire. What do you bring to this year’s competition?
Marnus: My journey begins with fatherhood. It taught me the power of presence and compassion. I bring the value of responsibility – showing up consistently, especially for my son. I want to inspire young men to lead with empathy, not ego, and understand that true strength lies in love, not dominance.
BCRMAG: South African masculinity is shifting. Where do you see yourself in that evolution?
Marnus: We’re rewriting the script. South African men today are embracing vulnerability and emotional truth. As a father, I’m modelling that every day. I want my son to grow up knowing that strength means softness when needed, and courage means choosing kindness.
🔹 PURPOSE & ADVOCACY | “NO ONE DESERVES TO BE LEFT BEHIND.”
BCRMAG: If you win Mister Global SA 2025, what cause will you amplify?
Marnus: Infrastructure. I work as an Urban Planner for the City of Cape Town, and I see the gaps firsthand. Many communities are overlooked. If I win, I want to combine this national platform with my professional expertise to shine a light on service delivery inequities and push for tangible solutions. In 2025, everyone should have access to basic infrastructure. No excuses.
BCRMAG: And what does leadership mean to you – beyond the sash?
Marnus: Leadership means impact – not status. It means standing beside people, not above them. I lead by example at home as a father, and in my community by showing up, encouraging others, and living with intention. Small actions. Big ripple effects.
🔹 THE MAN BEHIND THE FINALIST | “WHEN THE SPOTLIGHT FADES, CHARACTER REMAINS.”
BCRMAG: Strip away the pageantry – who is Marnus Botha?
Marnus: I’m a father first. A grounded, purpose-driven man. My family keeps me humble. My son keeps me inspired. I live for meaningful connections, growth, and legacy. Titles are great, but how you make people feel – that’s your real mark on the world.
BCRMAG: Share a vulnerable moment from this journey that changed you.
Marnus: There was a moment during the competition where I felt like I wasn’t enough. But that breakdown became my breakthrough. I realised I didn’t need to be perfect – just present, real, and grounded. That shift changed everything.
🔹 THE GRAND FINALE | “ESSENCE IS WHAT’S LEFT WHEN THE CROWN COMES OFF.”
BCRMAG: This year’s theme is Men of Essence. What does that phrase mean to you?
Marnus: Essence is about substance. Not surface. It’s how you love, how you serve, how you lead when nobody’s watching. It’s being present for your family, being honest with yourself, and being brave enough to show up imperfectly.
BCRMAG: How are you preparing for the big night at Colosseum Reale on July 26?
Marnus: With balance. Mentally, I’m staying focused on my “why.” Emotionally, I lean on gratitude – my son, my family, my journey. Physically, I train not just to look good, but to feel strong. But most of all, I’m preparing by staying present and authentic.
🔹 FOR THE NEXT GENERATION | “THE WORLD NEEDS YOU. AS YOU ARE.”
BCRMAG: Final word for young South African men watching your journey?
Marnus: You don’t need to fit a mold. Your story matters. Your truth is enough. Be kind. Be bold. Be real. Don’t let setbacks define you – let them refine you. Lead with love, grow through pain, and never be afraid to stand out.
📲 FOLLOW MARNUS BOTHA’S JOURNEY
- Facebook: Marnus Botha
- Facebook Page: Mister Global South Africa 2025 Finalist – Marnus Botha
- Instagram: @marnusbotha_8
- X (Twitter): @MarnusBotha8
- TikTok: @marnusbotha8
🖤 BCRMAG is proud to celebrate bold, conscious men who rise beyond the surface. Marnus Botha is not just walking a ramp – he’s walking in purpose.
Good motivation for the youth