Different, Not Less”: Gomolemo Baloyi’s Mission to Give Mpumalanga’s Boy Child a Voice at Mr Mpumalanga 2026

“Different, Not Less”: Gomolemo Baloyi’s Mission to Give Mpumalanga’s Boy Child a Voice at Mr Mpumalanga 2026

Aspiring titleholder Gomolemo Baloyi is using his run for Mr Mpumalanga 2026 to speak for the young men who were told to keep quiet about what they struggle with. Growing up in Emalahleni, his path wasn’t the same as those around him, and for a long time that made him feel out of place.

“It was not always easy realizing that I learned differently from others,” he says. “At times, I felt misunderstood and frustrated because I compared myself to my peers. But over time, I learned that being different is not a weakness—it is part of what makes me unique. My journey taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of believing in myself even when others did not fully understand my struggles.”

That shift in perspective now drives everything he does. Gomolemo believes the idea of strength for young men needs to be rewritten. “Many boys and young men are taught to ‘be strong’ and hide their struggles, but true strength is found in vulnerability and honesty. Speaking openly about learning differences helps break the stigma and shows others that it is okay to ask for help. When men speak up, we create space for healing, support, and empowerment.”

As a finalist, he’s using the platform to bring learning challenges into the open and push for a culture where no boy feels alone. For him, the solution starts with three things: acceptance, inclusion, and understanding. “Acceptance means allowing people to be themselves without judgment. Inclusion means giving everyone equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their challenges. Understanding means taking time to listen, learn, and support one another. In schools, families, and communities, this creates an environment where everyone feels valued and capable.”

He envisions spaces where that can actually happen. “An ideal safe space is a place where people feel accepted, heard, and supported without fear of embarrassment or criticism. It is a space where questions are welcomed, mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn, and everyone feels empowered to grow at their own pace.”

One of the biggest misconceptions he wants to clear up is the link between learning differently and intelligence. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that learning differently means someone is less intelligent or less capable. That is simply not true. People with learning differences often have unique strengths, creativity, and resilience. We just process information differently, and that should be understood—not judged.”

If crowned, Gomolemo already knows where he would start. He plans to launch a mentorship and support program focused on young people with learning challenges, providing emotional support, educational resources, mentorship, and workshops for families and teachers. “My goal would be to ensure that no child or young person feels alone in their journey,” he says.

His message to Mpumalanga’s boy child is direct and personal. “You are not alone, and your challenges do not define your potential. Your journey may be different, but your dreams are still valid. Keep believing in yourself, keep pushing forward, and remember that your story can inspire others one day.”

On the Mr Mpumalanga 2026 stage, Gomolemo Baloyi isn’t just chasing a title. He’s proving that the strongest voice in the room is often the one that finally decides to speak up.