Nocturnal Wenchy

Dear friends and other interesting creatures,

Like many South Africans, my first introduction to Zavion Kotze was on Survivor SA. The moment he dragged the mighty Solly across the beach as if this huge black man weighed nothing, he had my vote. Not only did he come across as sincere and truthful, he was seriously athletically talented. A true contender. I enjoyed watching this openly gay man, break the stereotypical homosexual profile and kick some serious straight ass in the process.

I have met Zavion a number of times with thanks to @infiniteComPR, and I can assure you, he is everything you thought him to be. He is confidently soft-spoken, has an infectious laugh, a great sense of humour, a true romantic and you cannot help but to respond to his humble and appreciative nature. He is somebody who truly lives life to the maximum.

His accomplishments are endless, on a great number of fields, but he is quick to point out that his mom has taught him not to take praise for granted and he very quickly will steer the conversation away from himself.

Although Zavion was raised in a family where his parents were divorced, he spoke about his family with great love and obvious affection. Zavion plays a number of musical instruments and headed up the choir at Kearsney College in his matric year. We chatted about his very promising rugby career for the Sharks and his decision to focus on athletics as you are only as good as your last personal performance. His words reminded me of a quote that focuses of being better than you were yesterday. He clearly drives himself to greatness.

His honesty was refreshing and we had a good laugh about Survivor SA. I asked him what surprised him most and he said he truly thought maybe the crew would pass you an apple when you truly have no food! I loved the innocence of his answer. Apparently, there is no such thing as Zavion lost 18kg while filming Survivor SA.

I congratulated him on the huge amount of medals he won at the recent Gay Games. He told me about a 99-year-old athlete completed the 100 m race and that the games were so much more than sexual orientation, quickly diverting from himself. It was about acceptance, love, competition and ultimately representing your country. Well, if there is one man I do not mind representing my South Africa, it is this man. We chatted about the great adventure that visiting the USA was, the fun times, his desire to bring the games to South Africa, but overall, the feeling of love and acceptance….. and yes achievement. Taking part in the Gay Games to Zavion, is part of living a life worthy of celebration.

This diverse personality has the patience to deal with brides (more power to him!) and their mothers, while creating beautiful, stylish, sophisticated weddings. Picture perfect. In his first year he only did six weddings, almost double that in the second year and in the third year, just over 30 weddings. Clearly the man knows about what girls want.

But what does this boy want? He became silent for a moment as to reflect on his answer and swallowed. I waited. He said softly that he would very much want a family of his own, to get married and share his life with a man he loves and who loves him. Zavion is in a loving and fulfilling relationship, describing it as more than he could have hoped for. He smiled, looked down and then straight at me and said, “What did I do to deserve this?”

On the official website for Zavion Kotze Events Company, the very apt quote welcomes you. Well, if I wasn’t already a huge fan, this would have sealed the deal, as we know my thoughts of Ms Garland!

“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.”

— Judy Garland

You are enough Zavion. Happy, happy birthday. I am so glad you were born.

Wenchy