Thandeka is flying high

MBOMBELA – Thandeka Mathibela of Emzinoni is a girl who is riding higher into the international modelling world, against all odds.

She’s a former Top 12 finalist in the Crowning Miss Mpumalanga 2015 beauty pageant.

Thandeka has shifted her focus to modelling. On October 3 she was chosen in the International Talent Showcase, which affords models, actors, musicians and dancers, the opportunity to perform before Kim Meyers from the United States.

Ashe has been nominated to participate, she received an invitation to Florida in the United States to meet up with agencies, directors and managers from five continents, and is afforded the opportunity to work in New York and Paris and other places.

“I started modeling in 2012, a year after completing my matric. I had big dreams, I just wanted to go to the university and study further.

However, God had other plans in my life.

Living in Soweto at my aunt’s place at the time, there was a lady who suggested I should try modelling.

“I didn’t think of doing it because I always underestimated myself. I never thought I was good enough or pretty enough.

I thought modelling was for rich girls with fancy clothes and fancy homes.

While I was in Soweto, I was listening to Yfm and I heard Jackie Phamotso talking about Soweto Fashion Week.

“Auditions for Soweto Fashion Week came, I went there alone. I didn’t even know the venue, but because I was so hungry for this opportunity, I went. I’ve been in the newspapers for the Soweto Fashion Week.

That’s when people recognised me and started talking about me, that made my dad proud.

“I also went to Miss South Africa auditions where I didn’t do well. I also went to Miss Mamelodi Sundowns Mpumalanga in 2013 and made it to the finals.

I got so interested in the modeling world and started googling about auditions, that’s where I came across Miss Summer Heat.

“I was chosen as Miss Summer Heat Mpumalanga, there were no prizes, but I got scouted for International Talent Showcase which took place in October 2014.

I couldn’t go because of financial issues. I don’t have any sponsors.I then went for Miss Mpumalanga auditions.

Fortunately I got through, I then starting to take everything seriously and believed more in myself.

“The Miss Mpumalanga journey has been life-changing and had a great impact in my life.

It taught me to believe more in myself and to work harder.

Meeting Sis Gugu Nyarenda and the former queens was very inspiring.

I’ve learnt that it’s not about getting the crown. I feel like I had my opportunity and I should give others a chance as well to go there and learn.

“Returning from the Miss Mpumalanga pageant made me want to do more.

I continued with our local fashion show where I train and inspire young up coming models.

I then opened my company ‘Thandeka Mathibela Entertainment Company (Pty) Ltd’ where I produce fashion shows.

“I met Gillian at the Summer Heat, she is the founder. A few months back she gave me a call to ask for another call back since I could not make it last year.

Which I did and my supportive Mom gave me the joining fee, it was not enough, trust me it is very expensive.

“Accommodation, food and transport is out of your own expense! That’s where I felt the absence of sponsors, but with the fate I had and my mom, I got against the odds.

The event took place on October 3, 2015, I had to be in Johannesburg from October 2 in the afternoon because in the morning I had to be at the Silverstar Casino for registration.

“In this current venture, I have to be in New York for nine nights, meeting with all the necessary people.

So many people get call backs, but they can’t make it due to financial constraints as it is very expensive.

From visa, passport, deposit and the amount you must pay to cover you during the stay.”Sponsors are very critical for this journey, because one needs to get all the assistance that she or he can possibly get. However, it is worth every cent that is going to be spent for everything. I’m planing to raise funds by hosting fashion shows, or any other shows.

“I’m in need of sponsors that can be able to be one of my sponsors throughout my journey.

There is a deposit due before October 25, 2015, I am willing to work very hard for my incredible journey that I’m about to embark on,” she ended.