South Africa boasts popular male models who are globally recognized. These hot male models have taken the modeling industry by storm with their bewildering exploits. They have achieved illustrious careers that have spanned decades. Not only have they been on the cover of notable magazines, but they have also landed numerous endorsement deals which have made them popular on social media platforms, especially on Instagram.

While some rank among the top fitness models in the country, others are well-known Instagram and fashion models. As the top male models in South Africa, these superstars are signed with the best modeling agencies in the country. As such, they reportedly earn an average of R50,000 a day. And the likes of Dave Rosenberg, Anthony Jason, and Levi Lomey are said to be earning over R1 million per annum. Obviously, these men have emerged as icons in the male modeling domain.

South African Male Models Who Are Globally Recognised

The top male models in South Africa actually work in diverse modeling fields. Nonetheless, they have achieved tremendous fame over the years for their outstanding achievements. While many rule the world of fashion modeling, some others are making unimaginable waves as fitness and Instagram models. Let’s have a look at their exploits and how they have risen to become modeling icons in South Africa and beyond.

Fitness Male Models

The well-known fitness male models in Mzansi have worked hard over the years to maintain a well-developed physique that has aided them to take their careers to the next level. Interestingly, they are equally popular in the fashion domain. That said, the top South African fitness male models are:

1. Dave Rosenberg

  • Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m)
  • Agency: Ice Models (Cape Town), Group Model (Barcelona), Select Model Management (London)
  • Famous for: Ellesse Italy, Ansons, and Strellson ad campaigns
  • Social media handles: Instagram (@dave_rosenberg); Facebook (David Rosenberg)

With gorgeous blue-green eyes and textured dark brown hair, David Rosenberg is a good-looking model who kickstarted his career in the year 2010. He was born in Johannesburg in 1989 and has grown to become popular for making appearances in ad campaigns for Ellesse Italy, Ansons, and Strellson catalog.

The 6 feet 2 inches tall model is signed to a handful of modeling agencies, including South African-based Ice Models, as well as the Group Model based in Barcelona and Select Model Management based in London. As an A-list South African male model, Dave reportedly pockets more than R1 million per year from his modeling gigs.

2. Shaun de Wet

  • Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m)
  • Agency: Ice Models
  • Famous for: Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Tommy Jeans ad campaigns
  • Social media handles: Instagram (@shaundewet_la)

Shaun de Wet is one of the hottest male models representing Mzansi well on the international stage. He began modeling in 2001, at the age of 19 and is best known for appearing in ad campaigns for brands like Tommy Jeans, Hugo Boss, Bjorn Borg, Calvin Klein, Berluti Men, Yves Saint Laurent, and Lacoste. He has further been associated with Jeffrey Fashion Care, The Gap, Massimo Dutti, Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli, Dirk Bikkembergs, and Ermenegildo Zegna.

Additionally, the hunk has appeared on the cover of GQ magazine. He has been featured in the editorials of L’Officiel Hommes, Forbes Magazine, and Details Magazine. More so, the model cum entrepreneur serves as the founder and president of Aurelia Entertainment. He kicked off his business career in 2019 by serving as the president of NV Films and then resigned from the role in December 2021.

Prior to establishing Aurelia Entertainment, Shaun served as a board member of NV Holdings and 4D Property Holdings. He was born in South Africa in 1982. He attended St John’s College from 1995 to 1999. Shaun resides in Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.

3. Alino Katombe

  • Height: 6 feet 0 inch (1.84 m)
  • Agency: Boss Models
  • Famous for: Fabiani and Avory Shlain commercials
  • Social media handles: Instagram (@alino_katombe); Facebook (Alino Katombe); Twitter (@ali_the_Nabian)

Alino Katombe was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1993 but moved to South Africa with his family the next year. He started modeling in 2014 after winning Mr. UJ and has moved on to appear in nationwide commercials for Fabiani Collection and Avory Shlain. He is not only a fitness model but also a fitness enthusiast, who has taken it upon himself to be training people on fitness routines.

Hence, he established a fitness center known as CON-FIT-ENCE. He has been managing it as the chief executive officer since 2017. He further serves as the assistant football manager of the University of Johannesburg Sports Soweto Campus. Prior to that, he worked as an inventory manager from 2008 to 2010 and sports coordinator at UJ Hector Pieterson Residence Soweto Campus.

The muscular and cute model completed his high school education at Boksburg High School in the year 2010. He then proceeded to the University of Johannesburg where he obtained a Diploma in Management in 2014. There, he also bagged a Bachelor of Technology in Business Administration and Management. Katombe further achieved an Honours degree in Strategic Business Management in 2017.

4. Nkanyiso Ndayi

  • Height: 6 feet 1.2 inches (1.86 m)
  • Agency: The Circle Model Management
  • Famous for: Men’s Health Magazine and Private Edition cover model
  • Social media handles: Facebook (Nkanyiso Ndayi)

With a charming well-built body, Nkanyiso Ndayi is one of the most-booked South African male models. The Durban-born hunk has appeared in advertising campaigns for The Hub, Nivea Men, Reebok, Jet, Jockey, Truworths, Nike, and Old Khaki. He has also walked the runway for top-notch brands at S.A Menswear Fashion Week and Durban Fashion Fair. In the year 2017, Ndayi appeared on the cover of Men’s Health Magazine and Private Edition.

He has further been part of multiple Mercedes Benz Fashion Week shows held in Cape Town. The handsome model is represented by The Circle Model Management which ranks among the top modeling agencies in Mzansi alongside Boss Models, Ice Models, and Kult Models.

5. Zack Hartwanger

  • Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m)
  • Agency: Select Model Management
  • Famous for: Abercombie & Fitch, Hermer Collection, and Boss Traveler commercials
  • Social media handles: Instagram (@zackhartwanger); Facebook (Zack Hartwanger); Twitter (@ZackHartwanger)

If you can't remember my name, just say 'kaaash'… I'll turn around! 😂 💵💵💵
–#cash #flow #entrepreneur –
@charlmaraisphoto 📸
–@selectmodelmgmt ☎️ https://t.co/hLHMWPWdX5 pic.twitter.com/csckDDA23a

— Zack Hartwanger (@ZackHartwanger) May 30, 2019

Zack is another top South African male model with an impressive modeling portfolio. He is represented by Select Model Management and has worked for companies such as Abercombie & Fitch and Ralph Lauren Wimbledon as a fitness model. He started modeling after graduating from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor’s degree in ConEconomics & Management in 2011.

#Repost @boss #campaign
–
Keep it moving: cotton knitwear and performance-stretch tailored trousers for style on the go #BOSSTraveler
–
#comebackseason with @selectmodelmgmt ☎️☎️☎️ https://t.co/QdHmYRkTAJ pic.twitter.com/8VLPXZQq1X

— Zack Hartwanger (@ZackHartwanger) May 19, 2019

He was scouted by a model agent at a music festival in Cape Town. Soon after, he landed his first international modeling work in Germany. Over the years, the top model has traveled to more than 11 global cities, including New York, London, Paris, and Milan. He is quite popular for his commercial photoshoots for Eton Shirts, Hermer Collection, and Boss Traveler. He was born in South Africa on August 16th, 1989.

Instagram Male Models

These are South African male models whose careers have blossomed as a result of their engaging activities on Instagram. This has landed them numerous endorsement deals and other notable modeling gigs as well.

6. Anele Papu

  • Height: N/A
  • Agency: N/A
  • Famous for: 2018 GQ’s Best Dressed Men Award winner, Brand ambassador
  • Social media handles: Instagram (@anelepapu); Facebook (Anele Papu); Twitter (@AnelePapu)

One of the 2018 GQ’s Best Dressed Men, Anele Papu is a well-known Instagram model and fashionista. Oftentimes, he shows off his impeccable fashion sense with diverse designer menswear. This has garnered him huge attention on Instagram as he currently has over 85k followers. Consequently, the lifestyle, fashion, and fitness photographer has gained numerous endorsement deals for his engaging activities on the social media platform.

Currently, he serves as a brand ambassador for Neutrogena SA, Alpecin Hybrid Shampoo, Adidas ZA, Future Life ZA, Baby Soft Moist Toilet Tissue, Uber, Jaguar, and Michel Herbelin. Papu’s birthplace is Kwa Desi in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He was born on September 16th, 1989. The professional photographer attended Nelson Mandela University from 2011 to 2012.

Since then, he has been working as a creative director and photographer at his multimedia and marketing company, Vulzee. He presently resides in Johannesburg after leaving Port Elizabeth in the year 2016.

7. Seth Shezi

  • Height: N/A
  • Agency: N/A
  • Famous for: 2018 GQ Best Dressed 2018 Award winner, Brand ambassador
  • Social media handles: Instagram (@seth_shezi); Twitter (@seth_shezi)

Seth Shezi is another GQ Best Dressed 2018 Award winner. He is an influential Instagram model who has over 24k followers on Instagram and has attracted endorsement deals from prestigious brands in the country in the last few years. He additionally escalates his level of popularity by working as a creative director at Shezi.ink and Wanted magazine’s contributing editor, as well as a freelance content creator.

He has also been associated with Sunday Times, Departures, GQ, Jekyll & Hyde, The Macallan, and Condé Nast Traveller as a content creator. A prominent digital brand strategist, Seth Shezi has had brand ambassadorial gigs with brands such as Tom Ford, Bulgari, Liberty London, Marriott Hotels, Vivo Mobile, Country Road, and Unilever. He resides in Cape Town and his birthplace is KwaZulu-Natal.

8. Thato Mahapa

  • Height: N/A
  • Agency: N/A
  • Famous for: Brand ambassador, 2017 GQ Best Dressed Award winner
  • Social media handles: Instagram (@teekay_m); Facebook (TeeKay Mahapa)

Thato “TeeKay” Mahapa is a renowned South African Instagram male model with massive followership on the platform. His Instagram handle boasts over 13k followers as he often shares posts on menswear, beard and skincare, and lifestyle. The digital creator grew his fanbase by curating news and advice on menswear, as well as beard grooming on his blog named The Bearded Muse. Just a year after starting his blog, he was voted the 2017 GQ Best Dressed winner.

Over the years, the digital creator cum Instagram model has landed endorsement deals with brands such as Top Man, Spier Wines, L’Oreal Men, Skyy Vodka, Fabiani Collection, CyberCellar, Revlon SA, and Europa Art. TeeKay further works as a pupil advocate at the Pretoria Society of Advocates.

Fashion Male Models

There are several popular South African fashion male models who have been making a name for the country on the local and internal scenes. They include the likes of Levi Lomey, Manyano Mahlakata, Jason Anthony, Sean McCollect, and Yannick Konan. However, we have selected a few among them whose accomplishments speak volumes. Also, they have been active in the modeling industry for more than two decades. They are:

9. Levi Lomey

  • Height: 6 feet 2.5 inches (1.89 m)
  • Agency: Ice Models (Cape Town), Two Management (Los Angeles), Marilyn Agency (Paris), Stockholmsgruppen (Stockholm), and METRO Models (Zurich)
  • Famous for: Tom Ford, Diesel, Dior, Steve Madden ad campaigns
  • Social media handles: Instagram (@levilomey); Facebook (Levi Lomey); Twitter (@LeviLomey)

Born and raised in South Africa, Levi Lomey kicked off his modeling career in his teen years following in the footsteps of his older brother, Bryce Thompson. At the age of 16, he had his first international modeling gig, walking the ramp for Dior and Kenzo at Paris Fashion Week. Afterward, he successfully groomed his career to the point that he now travels across the globe for gigs. He has been part of several editorials, including an editorial for Japanese Vogue.

Also, Levi Lomey has walked the ramp for Top Man in London. He has further been associated with other notable brands like Tom Ford, Uniqlo, Mr. Porter and Polo, Diesel, Steve Madden, and GQ. The elite South African fashion male model is represented by a good number of modeling agencies like Ice Models Management based in Cape Town, Two Management (Los Angeles), Marilyn Agency (Paris), Stockholmsgruppen (Stockholm), and METRO Models (Zurich). Little wonder, he has worked with great names in the industry, including Kris Van Assche, Edward Enninful, and Nicola Formichetti.

Lomey, who is 6 feet 2.5 inches tall, is endowed with beautiful brown eyes and brown hair to go with it. He was born in Cape Town, South Africa on March 31st, 1993. He grew up in a Jewish home and his siblings―Maxime Alix (sister) and Bryce Thompson (brother) are well-known in the modeling industry. He currently resides in London.

10. Jason Anthony

  • Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m)
  • Agency: Kult Models, Premium Models (Paris), DNA Models (New York), and Elite London
  • Famous for: Louis Vuitton, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani ad campaigns
  • Social media handles: Instagram (@lovejasonanthony)

World-class model, Jason Anthony has been active in the modeling scene for more than a decade and a half. He is signed with Kult Models Management in South Africa and other international modeling agencies such as Premium Models (Paris), DNA Models (New York), and Elite London. He has traveled to several cities in the world, including New York, Stockholm, Hamburg, Barcelona, Paris, and Sydney for commercial photoshoots and ad campaigns.

He was born on June 11th, 1994 in Cape Town, South Africa. Jason has brown hair which is perfected with charming blue eyes. He also stands at a lofty height of 6 feet 2 inches. His amazing physical attributes have helped him to land many modeling works in the past years. As a result, the fashion model has reportedly gathered a net worth of $500,000. No wonder, he ranks among the top South African male models.

Just like Lomey, Jason Anthony started modeling as a teenager after he was scouted by the Boss Models’ scout team. Since then, he has been making waves in the modeling industry, appearing in numerous editorials. They include editorials for L’Officiel Hommes Ukraine, Esquire Philippines, Wish Magazine Australia, GQ South Africa, Vogue Paris, MFF Magazine, and Vogue Russia.

He also has been featured in advertising campaigns for Dior Homme, Givenchy, MAC, Brooks Brothers, Perry Ellis, Hugo Boss, Roberto Cavalli, Porsche Design, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Additionally, Jason Anthony has walked the runway for brands like Versace, Givenchy, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Emporio Armani, Gieves & Hawkes, Louis Vuitton, Canali, Todd Snyder, Carlos Campos, Joseph Abboud, Perry Ellis, Phillip Plein, Balmain, Brioni, Fendi, Daks, and Cadet.

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