South Africa’s fittest elite took centre stage this weekend at the Fitness Runway Model (FRM) competition, redefining the standards of fitness pageantry. Powered by new title sponsor FuturExotics Lifestyle Emporium, the competition thrilled audiences with a grand finale at Sandton’s NH Hotel on Saturday night. Amid a star-studded crowd, six exceptional fitness models claimed top honours, embodying a new era of strength and style in South African fitness pageantry.

Now in its seventh year, FRM co-founder and fitness icon Jaco de Bruyn explained that the competition has built a strong reputation for pushing the boundaries of traditional fitness pageants by spotlighting the intense dedication, self-discipline, and sacrifice needed to push the human body and self-beliefs to its limits.

 

“There isn’t any other competition like this in South Africa. We’ve completely reimagined the typical pageant formula by placing health and fitness first, highlighting the mental and physical resilience it takes to strengthen and sculpt the human physique to its peak.

 

“Competing in bodybuilding and fitness competitions is as much a mental challenge as it is physical,” de Bruyn continued. “That’s why our judging criteria weigh both conditioning and mental acuity equally. Each titleholder embodies this balance, proving that hard work and sacrifice lead to well-deserved wins amidst fierce competition.”

 

Exotic cars meet fitness excellence

 

This year, the Fitness Runway Model (FRM) competition got a high-octane boost from FuturExotics, Africa’s top luxury automotive and lifestyle brand. Known for its ultra-exclusive experiences catering to South Africa’s elite, FuturExotics brings a level of prestige and reach that aligns seamlessly with FRM’s mission: celebrating excellence among the nation’s finest athletes. The partnership doesn’t just elevate the competition; it redefines it, setting a new benchmark in luxury-driven fitness events across the continent.

 

“FRM and FuturExotics are a perfect match,” noted Zunaid Moti, founder and co-owner of FuturExotics. “Both businesses share a synergy grounded in quality and ambition. This sponsorship just blends the world of elite fitness with the sophistication of luxury brands, adding a new layer of prestige to FRM. Together, we’re celebrating South Africa’s top fitness talent with the same dedication to excellence that defines the luxury brands that FuturExotics represent.”

 

In the lead-up to the main event, FuturExotics welcomed the FRM team and select models to its exclusive Sandton showroom for a high-fashion photoshoot amidst a fleet of world-renowned supercars. The session featured the lifestyle emporium’s standout landmark, the Dassault Mirage III fighter aircraft, making an iconic statement on Sandton Drive and adding a bold touch of luxury to the event’s pre-show celebrations.

 

At the grand finale, guests were treated to an exclusive display of some of FuturExotics’ most exciting and exotic vehicles, including a Liberty Walk-Silhouette WORKS Ferrari 458 GT – the only one of its kind in South Africa; a 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition; and, last but not least, a fan-favourite, the BMW i8 Coupé with a Liberty Walk body kit.

 

Showcasing SA’s top fitness models

 

The event’s six categories accommodated men and women with a variety of aesthetic goals, ensuring that all types of fitness models had an opportunity to compete. For those more focused on fashion, the Male and Female Model categories placed less emphasis on physical fitness, appealing to those interested in ramp modelling. The female-centred Bikini Model category provided a perfect balance between beauty and fitness, while the Fitness Bikini category gave women who continually push the boundaries of their physiques a chance to shine.

 

On the men’s side, the Male Fitness Model emphasised the more toned and muscular male builds, while Male Physique Model emphasised peak physical conditioning with striking muscular and vascular features.

 

The 67 competitors across the six categories were judged based on their commitment to fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as well as their ability to inspire others. Comedian and television presenter Siv Ngesi entertained guests as MC for the night, and celebrity judges included Jaco De Bruyn, Brad Jay, Lechar Knezovich, Laura Danielz, Nkosi King Nykie Pretorius and Pieter Smal.

 

After a fierce display of grit and an admirable competitive spirit, Ana Sade Dias of Bedfordview ultimately took the Female Model title, Britt Dercksen of Johannesburg won Bikini Model, and Tammy Nanabhay of Johannesburg took first prize in the Fitness Bikini division. On the men’s side, Donald Ndwalasi of Centurion secured Male Model, Bruce Mukono of Johannesburg won Male Fitness Model, and Ludwig Bouwer of Mosselbay took home the Male Physique Model title. The Top 3 of each category received their share of a R100,000 prize money sponsored by Zunaid Moti on behalf of FuturExotics, along with a range of USN supplements and merchandise.

 

With the success of this year’s event, FRM and FuturExotics are celebrating a new benchmark for fitness pageantry in South Africa. Reflecting on the collaboration, Moti concluded, “Our goal with the FRM sponsorship was to create a unique experience that honours dedication and talent at the highest level. Watching these athletes push their limits has been inspiring, and we look forward to continuing to supporting other platforms that drive ambition and celebrate excellence.”