Innocent Stock was shortlisted as one of 39 contestants to compete for the Mister South Africa (Mr SA) 2016 competition. The final-year BSc Statistics and Economics student at the University of the Free State (UFS) has his eyes on the crown of the country’s highly-contested male model contest.  

Stock was a 2015 Mr Rag semi-finalist. When the crown went to Stefan Lotter, Stock took the loss as an inspiration to run for the national competition and succeed the reigning king, Armand du Plessis.

Stock in his spare time

When not immersed in textbooks, the 23-year-old spends his time volunteering. “I love volunteering with all my heart, and I have been dedicated to it for the last five years. My compassion makes me want to see other people succeed,” said Stock.

Currently, he is the Executive Committee Chairperson for the Student Representative Council Treasurer. Three years ago, he was nominated as the Most Reliable Volunteer by the UFS Mass Assistance. Stock is also the former Vice President at UFS AIESEC South Africa, the world’s largest youth-led leadership development network. Last year, he was the chairperson of the Investment Society on the Bloemfontein Campus. Stock also volunteers at old-age homes.

A philanthropist at heart

If he takes the Mr SA crown, Stock’s focus will be more on a humanitarian project. “I will work with different organisations to try and curb the problem of food insecurity that our society is facing as this is one of the factors that contribute to children dropping out of school.”

“I would also start a foundation that will help learners specifically from rural areas in terms of applying for universities, attending open days at different universities, and also bursaries,” he added.

The Top 12 are to be announced in October.  To vote for Stock, sms MRSA032 to 47439.