Morgan Jacobs (28) of Robinvale is one of the finalists in this year’s Mr SA competition.
With five qualifications, including degrees in law, public management and public services from University of the Western Cape, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Oxford University, Jacobs jokingly calls himself a serial student because he is “so “passionate about studying”.
“Education broadens your mind, it allows you to grow and can change your circumstances,” says the former Wesfleur Primary and Atlantis Secondary learner.
Born and raised in Atlantis, Jacobs recently started a job as corporate affairs specialist at Eskom, but also owns AC by MJ, a design company specialising in custom-made bow ties. He also plans to launch a women’s clothing line next month.
Apart from “collecting” degrees and being a model and entrepreneur, he is also a yoga instructor and is actively involved in the Catholic Church as Eucharistic Minister.
Jacobs wears many hats and is a master at juggling them all, a trait he says he owes to his hardworking parents, Norman and Cynthia.
“My parents taught me the meaning of hard work as being important for following one’s dreams,” he said. “I saw how hard they worked to provide for my sister and me.”
Jacobs says there is no excuse for people not attaining their dreams, and especially young people, who need to take responsibility for their lives. “I worked two jobs while studying towards my first degree. You have to be focused and serious about what you want from life and to work towards it.”
He says he wasn’t always this confident, with the sparkling personality that invariably accompanies it.
“I used to be 61 kg heavier, and not always as confident as I am now, but getting into modelling has made a difference,” Jacobs says. Each time I was rejected, I looked back and asked myself what I could’ve done better, and what I could improve on. Significantly, though, every time I was selected for an international campaign it boosted my confidence.”
To Jacobs, winning the Mr SA title would enable him to create opportunities for the youth of Atlantis. As part of their Mr SA journey, contestants have to organise a charity event, which includes planning, marketing and compiling a business plan.
Jacobs still plans to complete his PhD and see his designs on the catwalks across the world. He tries to live up to his personal motto, “use your circumstances to better yourself.”
