Cape Town - Cape Town model Fuad Williams, 37, was recently crowned the new Mr SA at a glittering ceremony in Joburg.
Fuad, 37 is a dental surgeon by profession, a husband, a father and the eldest of two siblings.
Fuad said he became interested in modelling at age 19, after being scouted as a fashion model, which led him to consider modelling as part of his career journey.
“From the second scouting it snowballed and then I began to look for a modelling agency, which led me to Top Model.
“At this point I realised that I could do more on a bigger scale and I was trying to figure out how.
“I remember one evening coming home from the gym and my wife pointed at the laptop, showing that she entered me for Mr South Africa.
“A three hour-long discussion ensued and we concurred that Mr South Africa would be the ultimate platform for me to pursue my goals.
“I ended up being selected for Mr SA and winning the Top Model Men’s Open title in early 2022,” he said.
When asked if he anticipated his recent win, Fuad said: “Before meeting all the contestants in the week of the finale, I was confident that I stood a good chance of winning.
“However, I must admit that my confidence dwindled a bit after getting to know them in person.
“I realised that I was competing with some genuinely good men and that it was anyone’s game.”
As part of his new title and having to give back to the community, Fuad is planning to engage in three causes focusing on child welfare in impoverished communities, being a voice that is much needed for animal welfare and to help in creating a shift in society’s mentality when it comes to gender-based violence.
“Three of the charities/foundations I am looking forward to working with are Hannah's Place of Safety, Smile Foundation SA and Fallen Angels pet rescue.
“I am extremely humbled and grateful for what these charities are doing for our most vulnerable.
“They are a great source of inspiration to me.
“With regards to how I can help with gender-based violence in this country, I’ll be looking to the Mr South Africa organisation for guidance on the best way forward as this is where we have a fundamental impact as a voice for men.
“I had put a lot of thought into what I would do if I won in the past, but my perspective has changed a bit now that it’s actually happened.
“It’s real now and I feel that having this title is a massive responsibility.
“I want to be careful with it and to honour it,” he said.