Teen (16) is no ordinary role model
Sixteen-year-old uses modelling to keep her peers off the streets.
Cynthia Lubisi is a 16-year-old model instructor who is hell-bent on changing the face of her township through modelling.
The former Peter Zongwane Primary School learner said she first got interested in beauty contests when her school hosted its first pageant and she was inspired.
In October 2015 she started to organise children in her street and to train them in how to model.
All she wanted was to keep her peers off the street while nurturing their talent in modelling.
“Modelling will help children with social skills and self-esteem,” Cynthia said.
However, she struggled with lack of money for buying things like prizes and sashes, and as a result many of the children did not take the initiative seriously.
“It was difficult at first because a lot of these children left the modelling group, and that is when I had to involve parents to make my dream possible,” Cynthia explained.
“I needed parents’ support, and wrote letters which I delivered from house to house inviting them to a meeting where I explained my plan.”
All the parents were impressed and responded positively, pledging financial assistance for the project.
“My mother also helped me a lot. I now have a mentor who helps me with many things in modelling,” Cynthia said.
“She tells me what to do and we practise.”
Cynthia’s first pageant was called Mr and Miss Kgotso Street 2016.
“I staged it on our street and invited neighbours. It started small, but this year Mr and Miss Kgotso Street 2017 improved a bit.”
She plans one day to host big pageants like Miss Tembisa and Miss South Africa.
Her challenge now is getting sponsorships, and she is looking for someone who can take her pageants to the next level.
Anyone who is willing to help the teenager to take children off the streets can call her on 073 932 8957 or 073 717 9178.
“What this child is doing is amazing for her age,” said community member Kagiso Modiba. “She is building the community and the community must help her. It takes a community to raise a child, and for that reason let us all get involved.”
