A new beginning

South Africa has never had it so good in terms of abandonment of sexism, racism, and all forms of discrimination including discrimination against gay/lesbian orientation.

The Constitution entrenches gay rights and since 2006 Gay Marriage has been legalised.

We have been successfully running a blog about our city of Durban, Gay Durban, since October 2006, and are now extending this to Gay South Africa, a blog inviting participation from and providing useful links we have found to the rest of the country's gay community. Join us in this quest to level the playing fields and celebrate our new-found freedom. Despite what I have just said, there have been recent rumblings among Black Traditional Leaders in South Africa to have the gay-entitlement in our Constitution removed, and this has caused a wave of gay-protests to preserve and protect our enshrined rights... so there is still debate, even when we thought our 2006 freedom was secure!

South Africa congratulates the US on Marriage Equality

Our own Mr Gay South Africa 2015, Craig Maggs, has adopted the Facebook rainbow filter in celebration of the USA Supreme Court decision to outlaw any State ban on gay marriage.

Mr Gay South Africa 2015, Craig Maggs

Welcome

Open arms - a gay welcome to South Africa, where gay marriage has been legal since 2006.

Looking for the face of South Africa..

Or are we looking at that?
 

Christmas Hope

Merry Christmas and peace in the New Year is our wish to you from gay South Africa. In too many countries in Africa, gay folk are still persecuted and we in South Africa need to be a beacon of hope for peace and sanity to reign in 2014 and the years to come.

May you enjoy some good family time this festive season. 

Mr Gay South Africa 2014

Congratulations to Cape Town's Werner de Waal, the new Mr Gay South Africa, 2014.

 

Werner will be representing South Africa at the Mr Gay World event in Rome next year. 2 previous Mr Gay South Africa's have clinched the world title in the past few years.

 

Goodbye to the father of our nation

The modern father of our nation and South Africa's favourite President died at the age of 95 last night on the 5th December 2013.

Nelson Mandela will be remembered as a world Statesman who brought unity to South Africa and peace to this part of Africa and a man loved by everyone.

CNN sets out well his life history and the passage to a peaceful transition from the National Party government pre-1994 to the democratic elections and the inauguration of our first black President under the new negotiated Constitution of the Republic. The Constitution introduced a Bill of Rights and widespread new freedoms for all citizens, regardless of race or gender. We salute you dear father and thank you for your gift to us all. May you Rest in Peace.

President Nelson Mandela

Rounderwear new underwear range

Listen, not as stunning as the model on their webpage above, but I did promise to try on and review Rounderwear's new style of underwear. So here's the only pic of myself I have posted on this site (below) with their Jam Jeans trunk briefs ($25). I have long legs so trunk briefs suit me better than briefs which suit shorter guys. I really am impressed with the fit of the "jeans" and the colour and styling. For those who prefer other styles, their online shopping website is quite comprehensive and you can choose from boxers, briefs, trunks, jockstrap, shirts and pants ($9.50 - $25). I liked the Jam range of more trendy styles which include Jam Gold, Jam Silver, Jam Jeans, Jam Beat, Jam Rocks, Jam Mood and Jam Fit. Check out their website and go shopping. If any of my readers want to send any self-pics wearing these or any other undies.. bring it on. I will publish here. Send to durbanstadiumview@gmail.com

 

Warm weather on it's way

Well, Durban is warm all-year round, but now summer is definitely on it's way and so we'll catch you at the beach?

It's Pride in Durban this June

June is Pride month in Durban, our warm beach city on South Africa's east coast. Come party gay and stay gay at our exclusively gay guesthouse in the city - Durban View

 

Check out the news and links here.
 

Hot in South Africa

A young new South Africa

We've only had the rights to equality in marriage and the right to marry or register a civil partnership/union since 2006, so that's a new and young start to freedom. We have it all!
 

Summer time

It's summer time and great beach weather in South Africa, so if you're planning a visit, now until May is the time to come... see ya soon!
 

Merry Christmas and a 2013 special

Merry Christmas to you all and voorspoed for 2013 from Durban View Guesthouse.

We are having an amazing season here in Durban. We look forward to welcoming you in 2013 and to kick off the New Year have an amazing special for guests booked during the period 18th - 31st January - pay our single rate and bring you partner/buddy FREE for any booking of a minimum of 2 nights during that period... R580 for the room per night including breakfast for both of you.

That's our Christmas gift to you. Bookings Llewellyn - durbanview@gmail.com or Dave 083-7033329. Website

Jason is new Mr Gay South Africa 2012/3

Congratulations to Jason Lee Rogers who took the Mr Gay South Africa 2012/13 title last night. Jason was a finalist from Pretoria. 2nd was Steve Williams from Cape Town followed by Brian Clough from Nelspruit. In addition to taking the crown, the young blond hunk was awarded the Bone Wear Underwear Model of the Year as well as the Best Charity Work award for raising R13,000 to benefit animal welfare.

 

Mr Gay South Africa 2012

THE 2012/13 FINALISTS OF MR. GSA ARE: Aaron Blandin de Chalain, Brandley Galant, Brian Clough, Dijan Botha, Hendrik Johannes Kruger, Jason Rogers, Jodian van Aarde, Martiens de Jager, Tumelo Makgoara, Rodney Clough, Schalk van der Merwe, Wandile Mbunyuza and Steve Williams. THE SMS VOTING HAS OPENED. All finalists will be on the website Sunday after Pride. Please follow @MrGaySAfrica on Twitter for more.

 

It's all happening here in South Africa and the winner is expected to be announced at the celebrity finals in November 2012.

 

Hot winter

South Africa is a great place even mid-winter, especially in Durban, our FUNSHINE city on the east coast where temperatures do not drop below 15c year-round. mmm tempting!

Tourism Indaba South Africa

South Africa and Africa's biggest tourism show, Indaba, kicked off in Durban on Friday and runs till Tuesday. 15 000 travel and tour operators from around the world converge in Durban for the annual conference to showcase southern Africa's tourism opportunities... beaches, the ocean, game lodges and safaris, mountains and nightlife... all represented at Indaba.

The boys from Gay Flag SA are also here and staying at Durban View Gay Guesthouse along with other Indaba delegates. Welcome to Durban guys.. South Africa's warm hospitable gay destination.

 

Eugene, "Lola Fine" and Henry from Gay Flag SA hand over a flag to Durban View Guesthouse owner Dave



Gay Durban View guesthouse co-owner Llewellyn with the flag boys

Congratulations Mr Gay World 2012

 New Zealand's Andreas Derleth is the new Mr Gay World 2012. 1st Runner-up was South Africa's Lance Weyer (right) followed by France's Remy Frejaville (bottom right).

Congratulations guys and to South Africa's organiser Coenie Kukkuk in charge of both the Mr Gay South Africa pageant and the Mr Gay World event which took place in Johannesburg over the past few days culminating in the spectacular finale' last night.

South Africa is proud to have held the Mr Gay World title for the past 2 years and now to have had top finalists for 3 years in a row.

Mr Gay World in Johannesburg 4-8 April 2012

Proud South Africans and immediate past and current holders of the Mr Gay World title 2010 and 2011, Charl (right) and Fracois (left) promote the 2012 contest taking place in Johannesburg next month. Click on this link for all of this year's contenders for the title.

South Africa's Mr Gay World

It is hard to believe that our own Mr Gay World's reign is coming to an end. South Africa, and our Mr Gay South Africa organisers, have secured the running of the next Mr Gay World contest in Johannesburg this year and we look forward to the hunky contestants arriving in weeks. Thanks for representing South Africa for a second year in a row Francois, following in the footsteps of Charl from South Africa who held the title the previous year.

The contest runs over the Easter weekend from the 4th April to the Grand Fnale on Sun 8th April where our Mr Gay World will hand over his title. There's a full programme of events, most of which are open to the public and you can lift them off the website here.

Same-sex Marriage/Civil Union Contracts a must

Same-sex pre-marriage or Civil Union contracts are our specialty and can be downloaded off our website Mc Naught and Company. Check it out and once signed, the contract can be returned to us from anywhere in South Africa and we will register the contract in the Deeds Office closest to you. The website sets out details of the marriage systems available and I will also discuss it with you if you need a little help. Dave on 083-7033329 or dave@maclaw.co.za Please remember though that the notarial contract needs to be executed by me (as Notary public) before you get married.

Mr Gay South Africa 2011

Lance Weyer from East London (centre above and right below) is our new Mr Gay South Africa 2011. Lance is flanked by 1st runner-up Alexander Steyn (right above) from Johannesburg and 2nd runner-up Casper Bosman from Bloemfontein (left above). Lance (24) is a DA Councillor in the Buffalo City Municipality and also won the BoneWear Model of the Year title and Best Charity Work title at the glittering pageant which took place recently. The finalists also visited Durban View Guesthouse before embarking on a cruise to Mocambique in the run-up to the finals.



Mr Gay South Africa 2011 - Lance Weyer



Mr Gay South Africa 2011 - finalists sail away



Mr Gay Sa 2011 Finalists at Durban View Guesthouse

Barman Ian and fiends meet the Mr Gay SA finalists

Llewellyn (Durban View Guesthouse co-owner) with Gavin Deale

Durban View Guesthouse co-owner Dave (left) with Rainbow Cruise organiser Leon Nel (centre) and former Mr Gay SA Finalist Gavin Deale (right)

Coenie Kukkuk, organiser of the Mr Gay South Africa pageant with his Finalists

The November Rainbow Cruise which sails from Durban to Mocambique is the most festive with the finalists of the Mr Gay South Africa competition on board. The sail-away party at Durban View Guesthouse gives us a chance to meet the finalists and the other rainbow passengers the night before the ship sails.

Hot November in SA

November is the month to be visiting South Africa this year... it's the COP 17 Climate Change Conference taking place in our warm east coast city of Durban. It's the largest conference Durban will ever have hosted and (not to generalise) environmental affairs have a huge gay following.. so it's gonna be good.

City boy

Keeping this side of the fence is our hot city boy..

Gay in SA

Always great to be gay in SA, since 2006 with our new Civil Union Act, gay marriage is legal.. and we're very gay-friendly.. so if you're in South Africa over Easter, or coming here soon, we look forward to welcoming you.

Visiting South Africa this year?

Here are some travel tips for those who would like to visit South Africa this year. For more gay information, also visit our Gay Durban, Gay Johannesburg and Gay Cape Town blogs.





The big 5 animals of South Africa









Durban beachfront on the warm east coast of South Africa







Table Mountain Cape Town



I was asked some advice for a tourist to South Africa, so I thought I would write a blog post and extend it to a wider audience.

Most tourists imagine that they can drive around the country in 2-3 weeks and see it all. This would not be adviseable as South Africa is a big country. If you did want to see parts to the north, south, east and west, you would need to fly to some and drive between other parts as I will recommend. An itinerary also depends on how much time you have and your budget.

TIME OF YEAR

April is the best time of year to visit South Africa. This is because the weather is generally the best... the heat of summer is over and winter is not yet upon us. Peak season would be summer when the schools are on holiday, but I personally prefer it off-peak when the crowds have thinned out and it is not so hot. Durban is best all year as our winters are never less than 15c and no rain. Cape Town is worst in winter as it is cold, windy and rainy.. best for Cape Town would be October/November and March/April. Cape Town is on the Atlantic Ocean so swimming is generally out, whereas Durban is on the warm east coast so August to end of April is good with best swimming/beaches December to March.

AIRLINE ROUTES

Emirates fly to Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg via Dubai, so best would be to fly in to one city and fly back out of another city, travelling between cities by car, train or bus. Most of the other airlines fly in to either Johannesburg or Cape Town, which means a stop in Durban and the east coast means additional flights or travel. I would even avoid Johannesburg completely and fly into Durban and then out of Cape Town home. My favourite Airline to Africa is SAA of course, but their routes are not the best and sometimes the prices are over the top. Check them out and compare.

WHAT TO SEE

Your routing may depend on what you want to see. The Kruger National Park a few hours drive from Johannesburg is probably the best but requires getting to Johannesburg and a few hours drive each way. I personally would avoid that as there are many excellent game parks around South Africa. If you have loads of time you could include the Kruger Park.

So suggestions could be... fly to Johannesburg, hire a car and drive to the Kruger Park. Stay 3 - 4 nights and drive back to Johannesburg to return the car. Fly to Durban and stay for 3 - 5 nights. Fly to Port Elizabeth (2/3rds of the way to Cape Town), hire a car and drive along the coastal Garden route to Cape Town stopping off en-route for 2- 3 nights. Spend 5 nights in Cape Town and fly home direct.



The Drakensberg Amphitheatre

 

Beach sculptures in Durban



Alternatively fly direct to Durban and stay 3- 4 nights. Drive up to the Hluhluwe Game reserve and stay 3 nights. Drive back to Durban and fly to Port Elizabeth following the same suggestion above ie cut out Jhb and the Kruger park.

As an extension to either route, you could drive to the Amphitheatre in the Drakensburg Mountains which are half-way between Durban and Johannesburg (2 1/2 hours drive), or you could drive from Jhb to Durban intead of flying. Another option is the train from Johannesburg to Durban which I believe is good.

Wine lovers would love Cape Town as the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franshoek wine routes are within 40 mins drive of the city. I personally love Stellenbosch where my son goes to University at the moment, so I can visit him and drink loads of wine. There must be at least 200 wine farms in a few kilometres radius.

If you have a shorter or longer visit planned and want to come at an odd time of year or have any other queries, feel free to email me at durbanstadiumview@gmail.com and I will try and help out with my recommendations. Enjoy!

South Africa clinches 2nd Mr Gay World title tonight!!

Congratulations to Francois Nel have been pouring in.

The new Mr Gay World 2011 chosen tonight in Manila, Philipines, is South Africa's Francois Nel seen right above with Mr Gay South Africa organiser Coenie Kukkuk.

This makes it second in a row for South Africa as Charl van den Berg (left in picture right) handed over his reign as Mr Gay World 2010 to Francois. Charl is pictured in Durban with Durban View Gay Guesthouse co-owner Dave Mc Naught.

We are so proud of both you guys holding up the flag for South Africa at such a prestigeous competition.

The 1st runner-up was USA, 2nd runner-up Spain, 3rd runner-up Australia and 4th runner-up New Zealand.

Gay Directory South Africa updated

The Facebook group Gay Directory South Africa is the largest gay Facebook group with over 4 200 members and has just been re-vamped. Created by Dave Mc Naught of Durban the directory has been steadily growing and gives an easy link to nationwide gay interest groups, accommodation in the various provinces and more...

Check out the Gay Directory South Africa here.

Here we come

If you're thinking of making a trip to South Africa, April must be the best time of the year to visit. Fabulous weather, hot guys! Come visit us on the east coast, where the beaches never end and the ocean is warm and the boys even hotter.

Legality of same-sex sex and Marriage in South Africa

The legal age for sex in South Africa has changed over the years and on the 1st January 2008 we achieved gender equality.

Same-sex legality was previously 19 and for hetero-sexuals was 16 but all provisions that discriminate have been formally repealed  - including an equalised age of consent now 16 regardless of sexual orientation, and all sexual offences are now defined in gender-neutral terms.

South Africa was also the fifth country in the world, the first in Africa, the second outside Europe and the first republic to legalise same-sex marriage with the coming into effect on the 30th November 2006 of the Civil Union Act allowing same-sex partners to choose between a marriage or civil union, both with identical implications. A copy of the Act can also be downloaded - see our side blog and civil union or pre-marriage agreements are also available. Tel 083-7033329 if you need more help. - Dave