Mr SA reflects on overcoming personal loss and pressure on his path to the crown

While reigning Mr South Africa Marcel Roux was juggling the demands of the competition and the challenges of being a new father, he was dealt a devastating blow when his own father died just a month before the finals last year.

Speaking to Northern News ahead of the end of his term on Saturday, December 6, Mr Roux reflected on the journey that tested him emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

A fitness enthusiast and rugby player from Kuils River who now lives in Plattekloof, he said his bond with his father was rooted in the sport they both loved.

“I would always sit on his lap, and we always watched the Springboks games together. He taught me how to be a man through the sport, basically. So it went way deeper than just passing or kicking a ball. It was about the values that he instilled in me, and that is something that I loved about him.”

His road to the Mr South Africa stage began unexpectedly when his wife, Simoné, entered him into the competition without telling him.

“My wife entered me and I didn’t know about it. When I got the email, I thought, ‘What is going on?’ At first, I was a little bit angry at her because I couldn’t see how a rugby player could become Mr South Africa,” he said.

After discussing it with her, he realised the opportunity could allow him to inspire people “who feel that they are not seen or heard.”

Mr Roux previously worked as a physical education teacher at a primary school in Bloubergstrand before moving into full-time ministry as a youth and young adults leader at his church in Goodwood. 

But as he prepared for the national pageant while caring for his newborn son, born in July last year, tragedy struck. His father died in October after a short illness, leaving him devastated.

“My dad was my everything. Losing him was the most difficult thing I have had to face. That was the part where I wanted to throw in the towel, to say that I might not want to finish the competition,” he said.

His wife and family encouraged him to keep going, reminding him that his father would not want him to give up. Their support carried him through the competition.

Simoné said, “I didn’t enter him because of a title; I entered him because I believed God placed a purpose and a heart of service inside him. For me, leadership is not about being perfect, but about being willing - willing to grow, to serve, and to uplift others. I have seen the consistency and his sincere desire to uplift others.”

Mr Roux now runs Truly Able, a charity that collects non-perishable food and school clothing for vulnerable communities across the Western Cape. He appealed to sponsors and partners to support the organisation’s work.

As his reign comes to an end, he hopes his story reminds others that purpose can rise from pain.

"It doesn't matter where you come from or what your challenges are in life; you are truly able to rise above those circumstances."

Mr South Africa chief executive, JP Robberts, said: “Usually, one has something to say about a titleholder towards the end of their reign. Although Marcel might be at the end of his journey, we don’t believe we are done just yet. Not when there is still a whole world out there to conquer.