Not just glitz and glamour
18-year-old living her dream of being a model
“Being a model is not just about beauty and the glitz and the glamour – it is hard work.”
These are the words of Siphesihle Zonke, an 18-year-old resident of Wilro Park, who is one of the Top 10 finalists in the Face of Miss Signature 2016/17 pageant.
Siphesihle is a Grade 12 learner at Hoërskool Die Adelaar, and describes herself as someone who has always been very active at school and hands on. She is also part of the school’s representative council of learners. “I am busy with my year end exams at the moment, and need to plan all my activities to keep a balance between my modelling and school requirements. I will do all my modelling things during the day (if I am not at school) and use the evening to study. I sacrifice a lot of sleep,” she said, smiling.
She has always loved modelling, but never thought she would become a model. Her first taste of the pageant life was when she entered the Miss Adies competition at school. “I found it very enjoyable and that is when I decided this is what I want to do,” she said. From there she competed in the Miss Teen Commonwealth 2015 competition where she placed in the top five, and she was also appointed as the Versatile Masters Avenue (VMA) Brand ambassador for 2016.
She entered the Face of Miss Signature 2016/17 because she wants to use the platform to inspire girls her age and younger through the various initiatives she participates in. “I dream of one day seeing my face on billboards, not only nationally, but internationally as well,” she said dreamily. The competition is open to girls from South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.
But, to Siphesihle, being a model is much more than just beauty, it is about being a role model, and treating people with respect. According to her, she has gained a lot of self-confidence through modelling and she enjoys the charity work they do. “I arranged and hosted a charity event for the girls from the Boys’ and Girls’ Town Home in Randfontein recently. I participated in motivational talks with 16 girls and in pampering sessions courtesy of Signature products. I did the girls’ make-up and nails and provided 25 girls with sanitary pads, cosmetics and snacks,” she said.
She stays motivated through the feedback received from her charity work and the love and support she receives from her mother and family. Her message to girls wanting to become models is this: “If you have a passion for it, go for it. It might not always be easy, but if you remember to always be yourself and not lose yourself in the process, you will make a success of it.”
The crowning ceremony for the Face of Miss Signature 2016/17 competition will take place on 3 December at Southgate Mall from 12 noon to 3pm.
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