Dec 22 Lowveld

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
life
Star-studded
When it comes to festive (and other!) glam, medical
professional and patient liaison officer Andries du Preez
knows just how to sparkle.
Growing up on a farm in Kiepersol, life
was idyllic for Andries. His parents had
two trading posts, named Running
Waters and Nola, and Andries and his
little sister, Yolandi, spent their days
playing among the banana, litchi, avo,
macadamia and mango trees. “We
would freely help ourselves to fruits
and nuts, enjoying long, balmy days of
sunshine, swimming in the farm dam,
always cautious of the hippos and
crocodiles! Those were such carefree,
happy barefoot days, everything was
an adventure.”
Andries completed his primary school
years at Numbi Primary, moving on
to Rob Ferreira High School in White
River, where he took part in a number
of revue and school operettas, fuelling
a lifelong passion for the stage. “Ever
since I can remember, it has been
my dream to perform under bright
lights. Just the thought of performing
each night for a different audience
excites and thrills me,” says Andries, “the
costumes, rehearsals, make-up, the
props - now that is what dreams are
made of!”
Because singing, dancing and
modelling were not especially big in
the Lowveld, his mum would take him
to Witbank, Newcastle and Pretoria
for his training. Having a supportive
family and partner is tremendously
important to Andries. “My dad wasn’t
overly keen on my chosen sports
activity,” he says. “He was hoping for a
rugby or cricket player, and instead got
a son who enjoyed ballet, tap, acting
and modelling. He was, however, my
biggest supporter and critic when
14 Get It Lowveld Dec 2022 / Jan 2023
Andries du Preez
it came to the stage. Nothing was
ever too much for my parents; they
sacrificed so much for my training,
always making sure I got to auditions
and pageants on time and today I
proudly look back on a successful
career. My father sadly passed away a
few years ago due to lung cancer, but I
have a very understanding life partner
who does everything with me.”
His father would certainly have
been exceptionally proud. Andries
represented South Africa at this year’s
MMI/MWI (Magnificent Men Icon and
Magnificent Women Icon) pageant,
recently held in Cape Town, and
was crowned Mr MMI International.
“I was so disappointed when the
2020 pageant, meant to take place
in Las Vegas, was cancelled due to
Covid,” says Andries. “The MMI/MWI/
PHENOMENAL pageant is a little
different from the norm,” he explains.
“They do not look for the most
beautiful face or the most perfect
body - instead they look beyond the
outer facade. The pageant also has
a division for delegates with special
needs, defined as having a condition
that markedly restricts their ability
to function physically, mentally or
socially. So MMI gives everybody the
opportunity to compete. It’s all about
having confidence in yourself. I was
very fortunate to be awarded the
South African title, serving not only
my community, but my country.”
Having a theatre-by-day and
theatre-by-night persona is quite
a juggling act, but one at which
Andries is quite adept. As a medical
professional, he spends an average
of four to eight hours in a medical
theatre from Mondays to Fridays,
assisting specialists. At night he
loves nothing more than to attend
theatre productions. Being trained in
theatrical Broadway means Andries
has played leading roles in Burlesque,
High School Musical, Joseph and his
Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and
The Song, to mention but a few. Apart
from performing locally, he also loves
supporting local talent, often making
himself available to present workshops,
teaching others the joy of performing.
Andries will soon be travelling overseas
to fulfil responsibilities associated
with his title, while still keeping
future plans firmly in mind. “Being a
healthcare worker means maintaining
a careful balance between career and
title-holder. Both have obligations
that need to be fulfilled and require
dedication,” he says, adding that there
is still the importance of remembering
to spend time with loved ones and
family. “But most of all it’s about
creating memories. This is a once-in-alifetime
opportunity.” The carefree child
running through the orchards has
found his bright lights.
Revelling in the glitz and glam of the
stage, Andries brings delight to all
who wants a little magic in their life.
He mentions there are a few stage
productions making their way to South
Africa, and he might just decide to do
an audition or two. Someday he’d also
love to have his own playhouse. But
for now, there’s no business like show
business.