Mr Deaf South Africa Phumelela Mapukata did the country proud at the Mr Deaf World pageant.
The international pageant was held in SA for the first time.
Twenty contestants from 11 countries took place in the event, which was held in Mpumalanga on July 19.
Phumelela filled in for Mr Deaf SA 2018 Kurt Dirks, who was unable to participate.
He told The Juice he was “shocked and at a loss for words” when his name was called out.
The 24-year-old says he wants to be a role model for children.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from or what your circumstances are you can unexpectedly rise to the top like I did, if you work towards your goals,” he told the publication.
“We’re proud of you,” one Facebook user wrote.
Miss Deaf South Africa Lethiwe Ntaka also did well at the female version of the competition.
She finished in the runner-up position.(East Coast Radio)