Umbumbulu model gets New York invitation

A young model is on a quest to raise the funds to attend the International Models and Talent Association New York Convention next year. Senamile Thethwayo, 14, who has just completed her Grade 8 exams at Kingsway High School, entered the showcase on 10 July.

“I saw the audition online and thought with Covid-19 and all the bad things that have happened during the year, it would be a good way to end it. I did an audition via Zoom for modelling and acting. That evening I received an email saying I had made it through to the second round for modelling.”

The second round took place at Silverstar Casino in Johannesburg on 13 October and on 1 November she was delighted to be informed she was through and received an invitation to the convention in New York. “I wasn’t nervous for the first audition, but was really scared in Johannesburg, because I had to model on a big stage in front of lots of people.”

Senamile modelled an outfit of her own choice to her selection of music. “I was really surprised to be invited to New York.” The cost to wow the international panel of judges in July is R100 000. “I’m going to try and raise the money by looking for sponsors and approaching the department of arts and culture. I have until April to confirm if I can afford to go.”

READ ALSO: Kingsway High School teacher retires

Impressively, the Umbumbulu teen has been modelling for less than a year. “I’ve always been interested in acting and did drama in primary school. A friend suggested I try modelling and I joined Sonja Nell’s agency Models and Talent Inc from March to November. It is a small agency, but I learnt a lot from her.”

Senamile was born in Durban and has two younger brothers. She attended Athlone Park Primary School, where she was a member of the Enviro Club. She is not into sports, but prefers the arts, baking and reading. Now that her exams are over, she is looking forward to enjoying some chilled time at home for the holidays.

“I would love to be featured in movies, TV adverts and soapies, and have my own reality show when I’m older. By the age of 19 I want to have my own agencies and help other girls get closer to their dreams as well.”

READ ALSO: Talented youngster set to jet off to New York

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