R.I.P. CHARL VAN DEN BERG 1981 – 2015

Mister Gay World winner 2010 Charl Van Den Berg has unfortanetely passed away on the 6th August 2015 at the age of 33 because of Lymphoma cancer. He was known for having won Mr Gay South Africa in 2009 and the 2010 Mr Gay World competition in Oslo, Norway.

When Charl Van Den Berg entered and won the nomination for Mr. Gay South Africa he was able to make his charity work with Health4Men (an American funded initiative focussed on the education of HIV/Aids) and the Animal Anti Cruelty League known to the public, during and after his bid for the title. At a gala event held at the Pretoria State Theatre Opera House in November 2009, he won the Mr. Gay South Africa title and allowed him to represent South Africa at the International Mr Gay World pageant in Oslo, Norway in 2010.

Charl Van Den Berg beat out 22 International contestants to become the first African and South African to win a Mr. World title in history. He was now the official titleholder of Mr. Gay World 2010 and became an International spokesperson for LGBT community.

He was an official spokesperson on Diversity and Human Rights for minority groups around the world and had travelled to countries and cities like Vancouver to participate in the closing of the Winter Games and Winter Pride in Canada, Namibia, Berlin and the Philippines in December 2010 where he delivered a speech on HIV/Aids and addressed the international media.

“It is my understanding that people are people before we are different”, says Charl. “With regard to Mr. Gay South Africa, it is my aim to help break down stereotypes and differing mindsets in the global community and promote oneness and equality for all people by bridging the gap between those mindsets. Mr. Gay World presents me with a platform to work from and creates an opportunity in which to do that and it is an honour to serve the global community in this capacity!”

The Mister Gay World Organisation has stated after announcing his death: “Charl always conducted himself in a friendly, approachable and exemplary fashion, keeping his feet firmly on the ground and doing the job he was chosen for without airs and graces. His infectious laughter and warm character made him an absolute pleasure to with. We have lost a member of our family, a hero and a friend. Charl van den Berg will always be an icon to many around the world.”

Charl was admitted to hospital earlier last week, but he has lost his battle to Lymphoma (Cancer). Charl’s funeral will take place on Friday the 14th of August at 14hoopm at Mosaiek.