While many matric learners spend their final year focusing solely on their studies, Eden Park Secondary School learner Prince Morapedi has already taken his first steps onto one of South Africa’s biggest fashion stages.

The aspiring model made his professional runway debut at Africa Fashion Week 2026, where he walked for three designers, Lufi D, Nicole Stafford and Silk N Cotton, after successfully progressing through a highly competitive audition and brand casting process.

From pageantry to the runway

Morapedi said his modelling journey began when his manager and director at Jordan Legacy Management, Annwen Jordan, encouraged him to audition.

“I’ve always loved modelling, but I was mostly doing pageantry. I felt limited because I didn’t know how to get real exposure on the runway. When Ms Jay presented this opportunity to me, I grabbed it with both hands,” he said.

Although excited, he admitted he initially doubted himself.

“My parents encouraged me to trust myself. They helped with transport, reminded me to practise my walk, improve my posture and keep a fierce face. Their support gave me the confidence to go for it.”
Competing against more than 200 aspiring models, Morapedi described the audition as one of the most challenging experiences of his career.

“It was my first audition, especially for a show as big as Africa Fashion Week. The judges showed no expression, so you couldn’t tell if they liked your walk. That made me anxious, but my mom reminded me of what I was capable of.”

His hard work paid off when he was selected by three designers.

“I was overjoyed and grateful to God because He carried me through. I was also thankful to my family and Ms Jay for all the support and guidance. It felt like all the hard work was finally paying off.”

Making his mark on the runway

Morapedi said each show challenged him to become a more versatile model.

“Walking for Lufi D and Nicole Stafford was nerve-wracking but magical. Once I stepped onto the runway and heard the music, I became more confident. Walking in high-soled loafers was a challenge because I thought I might fall.”

His favourite collection was Silk N Cotton after forming an unexpected connection with the founder before the event.

“I had met the founder before I knew she was the designer and ended up helping her. That grew into a real connection. It didn’t feel like I was just walking for a designer, but for someone I knew.

“The collection felt elegant and empowering, and the photoshoot afterwards made me feel like a true professional.”

Working alongside established designers and photographers also taught him valuable lessons.

“I learned professionalism, patience and how to take direction. Designers taught me that every detail matters, while photographers taught me how to find my angles and be confident in front of the camera.
“I used to watch fashion shows and international campaigns and admired how fashion tells a story. Seeing South African models succeed internationally inspired me to pursue modelling.”

Before his Africa Fashion Week debut, he gained experience through pageants and local photoshoots, most recently being crowned first prince in the Mr and Miss Eden Park competition.

Balancing leadership and modelling

Away from modelling, Morapedi is also a respected learner leader. Earlier this year he was re-elected as school president for a third consecutive term and district secretary for a second term.

“It’s all about time management. I use a planner, set alarms and prioritise school first. As a leader, I’ve learned to stay organised and give my full attention to whatever I’m doing.”

He has temporarily paused modelling to focus on his matric year.

“Education is my foundation. I only get one chance to do well in school. Modelling will always be there, and I want to come back next year even stronger.”

Morapedi credited his teachers and classmates for supporting his ambitions, especially teacher Mbiza.

“She laid the foundation for my modelling career by encouraging me to enter my first pageant at school, where I was crowned king. My teachers are proud of me, and my classmates always cheer me on.”

Eyes on the futureHe hopes to one day walk at Paris Fashion Week and Russia Fashion Week while working with brands including Mr Price, Woolworths, The Foschini Group, Prada and Nike.

“In five years, I see myself having finished my studies, modelling internationally and running my own studio and management company. I also want to mentor young people from my community and help them kick-start their careers.”

He hopes his journey will inspire others to dream beyond their circumstances.

“Your background doesn’t define your future. Every decision you make today shapes it.”

Looking back, Morapedi said his Africa Fashion Week debut remains his proudest achievement.

“Being school president and district secretary shows leadership, but Africa Fashion Week showed me that my personal dream is valid. It proved to other young people, and to me, that we can step onto big stages. That moment made all the hard work feel real.”