The 2010 Mr Gay World Charl van den Berg has died at age 33, just a day after being diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. He won Mr Gay South Africa in 2009 before going on to take the world title in Oslo in 2010. Mr Gay World organisers say he 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 work with.” They say he made an impact during his travels around the world, including in the Philippines, where he took part in the Red Ribbon HIV-awareness campaign. They say at home in South Africa his win was the first positive lgbt news other than legal challenges to discriminatory laws to be featured on the front pages and lamp posts. “We have lost a member of our family, a hero and a friend.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 10th August 2015 - 9:57am