Dr Fezile Mkhize will represent South Africa at Mr World on 23 August 2019. Who is the man behind the crown?
Fezile Mkhize is a 27-year-old medical doctor from Johannesburg with a passion for helping people. He chose a career in medicine as a means to have a direct positive impact on the lives of others. But life has taken a completely different and exciting turn for him in the past year. Fezile added the title of Mr South Africa to his impressive list of accomplishments; he also won the Top Billing presenter search on SABC 3, the Cosmopolitan Sexiest Man 2019 competition, and to top that off he’s still a medical doctor with his practice in Sandton.
With his winning smile and unbeatable charm, the good doc Fezile Mkhize scooped up the crown of Mr World South Africa last month and will be heading to the Philippines to represent South Africa at the Mr World competition.
Fezile took time out of his busy schedule to talk to The Jet Club Family about who he is and what’s next for him.
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?
I was born in Kwa-Zulu Natal and lived in a township called Gamalakhe and subsequently moved to Port Shepstone later in my life. I am the middle child in a family of three, with an older brother and younger sister. My father passed away when I was four years old and my mother raised us, as well as my two cousins.
She forms a huge basis for the person I am today. Through watching her work ethic and abundance of love for everyone around her, I formed a deep love for people and hard work. I fell in love with reading at a young age and enjoyed the way you could be transported within a matter of pages to any place or time. I would then always be found either with my nose in a book or running around playing any sport I could get myself into. I found I enjoyed team sports, as this allowed me to interact and bond with other people. I fell head over heels for basketball and still play it frequently!
One of the key things that I always highlight about myself, is that I am an average guy who has learnt that through hard work and establishing great bonds with others you can dream incredible things and achieve them.
YOU’RE A MEDICAL DOCTOR, WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR PROFESSION?
I love people, it’s been the driving force behind nearly every profession and monumental event in my life. Being able to know how to treat and engage with people when they are at their most vulnerable is something I never take for granted and I am thankful for every single day. I also love that I have an understanding of how my own body works and can optimise it as well as treat it when necessary.
BEING A PRESENTER ON TOP BILLING, HAS THAT ALWAYS BEEN SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO PURSUE?
Working on Top Billing is a dream come true. We all grew up being in awe of this programme that showed us extraordinary people and breathtaking scenes – I could never have guessed I would stand among the ranks of the phenomenal presenters that have been in the show. That’s why now more than ever I can say that anything and everything is possible. Don’t ever limit yourself.
DESCRIBE THE MOMENT YOU WERE CROWNED MR WORLD SOUTH AFRICA
Just before they announced it I had a moment where I just took it all in – a small township kid who had a rough start in life, with a family who always had his back, standing there with twelve of the most amazing gentlemen you can find and he’s counted among them as a person worthy of representing his country… it was insane. Immensely grateful, was the overwhelming feeling I had when I heard my name announced. I felt grateful that I could stand there and accept the title on behalf of my family and everyone who continues to support me. They are the reason I am who I am today and I never forget that.
WHAT POSITIVE CHANGES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED AS BEING CROWNED MR WORLD SOUTH AFRICA?
Though my reign hasn’t been very long, I have already been to several awareness and fundraising events. I am looking forward to lending a voice and anything else that I can to so many initiatives that aim to uplift people.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR HIGHLIGHT THUS FAR IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY?
Without a doubt, it has to be meeting Usain Bolt early this year. He has always been an athlete I admire and is a dynamic personality. Over and above that, getting to share the stories of so many inspiring South Africans is why I feel as passionate today as I did when I first stepped into the media space.
WITH SO MANY THINGS TO JUGGLE IN ONE DAY, WHAT IS YOUR DAILY RITUAL THAT KEEPS IT ALL BALANCED?
Early starts and late endings. I try to get up as early as I can to maximise my day. I have several people and teams that rely on my full dedication to them and I try to make sure I live up to that, which means that I need to use every last minute of the day. I usually start with some form of training – my version of active meditation. I then look at my day with regards to hospital work, shooting, or Top Billing and execute it with a smile in my heart and on my face.
YOU ALWAYS LOOK IMMACULATE. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE OUTFIT TO WEAR?
I’ve had a crash course on all things apparel with my entrance in the media space but I have to say being in a 3-piece suit is definitely the best feeling. You feel put together and poised.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO IN YOUR LEISURE TIME?
Reading, more reading and basketball.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
Hahaha, I can’t let that cat out the bag just yet, but everything is centred around trying to do the most good for everyone and everything around me.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE WHO IS TRYING TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS?
If an average Joe like me can do it, you definitely can. Just remember to put in the elbow grease and the rest will come together.
ANY WORDS OF WISDOM AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OUR JET CLUB READERS?
Work as hard as you can. Work as smart as you can. Work on treating others as well as you can.
INTERVIEW WITH FEZILE MKHIZE MR WORLD SOUTH AFRICA
Reviewed by Jet Club
on
August 08, 2019
Rating:
Reviewed by Jet Club
on
August 08, 2019
Rating:
