Tiaan Massyn, an optometrist, singer and the new Mr. South Africa’s biggest fear is to look back one day and regret the chances he never took.
That’s why he decided to finally put his name in the hat for this prestigious competition’s title this year.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and the time felt right. I have something to say and a difference to make, so I seized the opportunity,” says the 30-year-old in RNews’s studio.
The diligent Centurion businessman has shares in optical practices in Gauteng and the Western Cape and is also pursuing a singing career in between. His latest single, “Die son kom op”, was released earlier this year and was even nominated for an Aitsa Afrikaans music award.
It was at this very award event that he met the current Miss. SA, Natasha Joubert – who just matriculated at Eldoraigne High School – was reunited.
“She was a standard session when I was in matric and I am still friends with the family. They are even patients at my one practice. I am terribly proud of her and everything she has empowered.”
Tiaan further tells that the Mr. SA competition forced him out of his comfort zone. He says the competition also has a strong focus on charity work and the elimination rounds last much longer than Miss. SA.
“Of course, each of the competitions requires a lot of hard work and has its own set of challenges, but I learned so much about myself and my country through it. I am definitely not the man I was seven months ago when I started this journey.”
The new Mr. SA is also of the opinion that fear is something that one limits too easily, and often unconsciously.
“We are so afraid and worried about what people think and say about us, and I think that often causes us to not reach our full potential. With closed eyes and a lot of nervousness, I forced myself to tell Mr. SA to participate, but I believe we cannot allow fear to stand between ourselves and our dreams.”
Tiaan regards his new title as a great responsibility and would like to put the spotlight on mental health among men. He also wants to make a difference in optometry and further expand the welfare work he is already doing regarding better access to good eye care.
“I am a real ‘people person’ and believe that many problems can be solved if communities, and especially men, are prepared to communicate honestly and thoroughly. I also want to do my best to try to radiate a positive example of a South African man.”
Of course, many women may now also be wondering about this tall, blue-eyed businessman’s relationship status.
“Hmmm, no what. They’ll just have to keep wondering for now,” he teases.
- Listen to the full interview at the top of the post.
