Although he grew up and attended school in Robertson Heinrich Jansen regards the Overberg as his home.
“I have lived in the Overberg for 10 years and regard myself now as an Overberger,” says the 36-year-old. “Even though I matriculated from Langeberg Secondary the Overberg is now my home.”
Speaking to Jansen, he looks and sounds much younger than the details in his identity document. This promising actor and model has appeared in various advertisements and had a stint on the soapie Binnelanders. He says he was discovered by Hannelie Oosthuizen.
“Hannelie is a former organiser of the Miss South Africa beauty pageant, and she spotted me and told me I have talent,” Jansen related. Afterwards, life unfolded for him and he has even appeared internationally. “I am enjoying life right now and for me every day is festive. I have appeared in many modelling shows and I was approached by Joey Hunter [former president of Ford Models in New York] and Nate Butler. It was an honour to have chatted with both of them. Nate is an American songwriter, singer and teacher who has reached great heights. He has worked with the likes of Backstreet Boys, Luther Vandross and Victoria Beckham. Joey Hunter has taken models such as Naomi Campbell under his wing.”
Before, Jansen had worked as a clerk at Gansbaai Police Station. He spread his wings as far afield as Dubai, where he worked behind the scenes at modelling shows. “I was one of those people who ensured the models were dressed and even fetched water for them,” he said. “Fashion always piqued my interest and it was, and remains, great to work at modelling shows.”
After hard work and nearly two years of modelling work, Jansen at last is on his way to New York, where he will be part of the IMTA Convention (International Modelling and Talent Association). “It is one of the greatest gatherings in New York where models and other artists are discovered by talent seekers,” Jansen pointed out.
“There are more than 300 brands taking part in the convention, such as Gucci, Balmain and Louis Vuitton. There models will also be approached by agents from different modelling agencies.”
Jansen will fly to America on 7 July, but much water still needs to flow under the bridge before his dreams come true.
“It’s not easy to travel to America with our exchange rate,” he says. “It costs us a lot. I am dependent on sponsors to make my dreams come true. It’s not just a matter of going off to America, for there is much preparation I have to do beforehand, which includes flying to Johannesburg regularly for training.”
According to him his dreams could never come true without the support of such figures as Wilfred Chivell of Marine Dynamics, Michael Lutzeyer of Grootbos and the community. Jansen requests help from anyone in the form of gifts and donations that will enable him to go to New York.
“I am trying to collect money by selling sausage rolls and holding shows, for instance. If people wish to support me they can contact me on 081?531 5390.”
