Andrew Govender
Andrew Govender (born 1986, Durban) is a South African Model and Actuarial Analyst. In 2012, he won the title of Mr. South Africa 2012, making him the first Indian to win this title.
Early life
Andrew Govender grew up in Johannesburg since the age of three. He has four siblings, one of which is his twin. At the age of sixteen he was spotted in a shopping mall by his first agent. He is currently signed with a South African modelling agency, Heads Model Management. He matriculated with six distinctions from Glenvista High School in 2004 and graduated with an Honours Degree in Actuarial Science from the University of the Witwatersrand. He has won titles such as Mr. India South Africa 2010 and was first runner up of Face of Markham.
Mr. South Africa 2012
On the 17 March 2012 Andrew Govender was crowned Mr. South Africa 2012 at the action filled event held at Silver Star Casino. Andrew Govender beat the other 11 contestants from across the country. He believes in David Sarnoff quote that is “…the will to persevere is often the difference between failure and success”. He initiated the Andrew Govender Book Club which works in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Any books collected from corporates and the public are sorted and distributed to local schools and homes for disadvantaged children. Other initiatives that he is involved in includes Grass Root Soccer which creates awareness about HIV/AIDS awareness amongst the youth via soccer. He is also part of his consulting firm's campaign which aims at mentoring young school girls, called the Next Generation. He is also an ambassador of the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital as well as for Spirit Day South Africa.
Socially, he also has appeared at numerous events as Mr. South Africa 2012, such as fundraising for a Cancer event or modeling for Palse Homme at South Africa Fashion Week. He travelled to Singapore for the 13th IIFA Awards. He has also appeared in television interviews, such as Top Billing and Spirit Sundae.
Mr. World 2012
Govender will represent South Africa in the Mister World 2012 pageant which will be held in Kent, England, on November 24, 2012.