For the love of modelling
Vanessa Bila (19) started her modelling career six months ago and her short span and growing list of accolades are sign that she has found her right path.
A Diepkloof based aspiring model is on the path of changing the narrative of pageants and beauty standards portrayed in the media.
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Vanessa Bila (19) started her modelling career six months ago and her short span and growing list of accolades are sign that she has found her right path.
For her first pageant in December 2021, she was placed 2nd princess for the Miss Mhinga t in Limpopo and seven days later, she was crowned the Miss Giyani.
Born in Diepkloof, Zone 5 the accounting student said she got into pageantry because she wanted to use the platform to empower herself and other young girls who did not believe in themselves.
“I have been told how I am not beautiful or smart enough to be categorised in anything so I want to be in a platform that accepts my inner and outer beauty as well as brains that will help other ladies to feel loved.”
On May 28 , Bila was announced as part of the Top 20 finalists of the Miss Township SA 2022 , chosen from across the country, as one of representatives for Gauteng.
“I think my confidence is what has pulled me through the competition thus far. I am always trying to be different and that is why I chose to enter the competition with my natural hair because that is my biggest crown.
“I want more people to embrace their raw and natural side that we always try to hide. I am inspired by Zozibini Tunzi and Shudufhadzo Musida who have changed the way we look at beauty queens and I intend on taking that baton even a step further,” she said.
Bila added she was grateful to her family and friends for their continued support adding that if it wasn’t for her mother’s encouragement, she wouldn’t have continued with her modeling dream.
The 19-year-old was recently announced as the brand ambassador for the national annual awards.
She said she was on her own path of healing and hoped that she would be able to use her line of work to heal other kids through passionate campaigns she hopes to undertake.
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“In a country where GBV is currently our biggest challenge, I want to stand for little boys and girls who are victims of abuse. I think it’s easy to build a child than to repair an adult,” she said. “Growing up, I saw scenes of abuse in my community and not realising how that affects the child’s mind.
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