Phomelelo’s courage was honed through modeling
She discovered that she wanted to be a model when she was in Grade 3, and she did not want to be just any model, but a queen.
“It is okay not to be okay sometimes, if things do not go your way do not beat yourself up, life is emotionally abusive and it is impossible to get out unscathed.”
These are the words of Phomelelo Mashabela, a local young ambitious woman who is always striving to reach her goals through her hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
The 25-year-old is a brave young model who does not give up on anything and she is determined to succeed and push forward until she prevails.
She discovered that she wanted to be a model when she was in Grade 3, and she did not want to be just any model. “I wanted to be a queen,” she said.
In 2013, she put her dreams into action after being inspired by Filipino-American actress, model, TV presenter, and beauty queen Megan Lynne Young who won the Miss World Philippines 2013 title and was later crowned as Miss World 2013.
“She [Young] made me believe that I can do anything with or without fear.”
Besides the crowns and sashes she had won throughout her modelling career, being part of Miss South Africa 2021 remained her biggest career highlight.
“To win Miss SA would be a dream come true for every young model including myself, and it took bravery from me to finally send the application in 2021. I was beyond proud that I finally got to do so.”
Her experience in the modelling industry had taught her that everyone needed a little help and that it was important to help the next person who came along.
“The secret to being the best model is to put on the hard work and not forget to treat others with love and respect, it’s crucial to be beautiful inside and out.”
Mashabela is also an art lover who thinks outside of the box and she aspires to become a painter someday.
“As a person, you should set your priorities straight, know when to say no, and focus on what will bring the best out of you. My grandparents taught me humanity and now whenever I feel stagnant or demotivated I think of them for motivation.”
Models play a huge role in communities as they can be the voices of the voiceless and Mashabela stands up against racism and prejudice.
“These are subjects that people avoid and it is a negative issue all around the world. Diversity should be embraced yet we do not realise that.
“If we could teach children to grow up knowing that no matter your skin colour, who you are, or where you come from, we are the same. We can have an amazing upcoming generation.”
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