North West model shines at Top Model SA

Mandla Mbotho an up-and-coming model just returned from Top Model SA. On the 9^th of February, he walked it as he talks it on the catwalk in Johannesburg at the Carnival City, Big Top Arena.

It was a house full of fashionistas and big names in the industry some of which were judges, Kallas Eksteen, Lee Thompson, James Emanuel, Lee-Ann Harrison, Conre du toit and the lovely Dr Laverne Ashanti.

ENCA was present as well as presenters from Top Billing, who interviewed the Top Model contestants on live television as they went on to make their mark in the industry where Mandla put Potchefstroom on the map nationally.

‘This was such an experience for me as it was my first time on television and having to use makeup. It was weird using makeup but I had to comply with the rules and regulations,’ he says.

‘At first, I panicked until the professionals told us we had nothing to worry about and showed us the way. Rehearsals were tense and models were worried about getting routines in order.’

Due to not wanting to make silly mistakes on live television, the models had rehearsed until they got the rehearsals perfect, which normally included late nights of hard work.

Mandla’s perseverance and consistency surely paid off.

‘What I experienced is something I would like all the upcoming models to experience for themselves. Just believe in yourself. A few minutes on television might change one’s life as the gurus of the fashion industry are watching.’

‘I challenge the youth to make good use of their talents in order to achieve their dreams, the sky is the limit. I would like to encourage companies, stakeholders as well as the municipalities to back up the youth as some talented models with great potential fall short and quit due to a lack of support from the above mentioned.’

Top Model SA was televised on SABC 3 at 17h30 on Top Billing.

To connect with Mandla Mbotho, follow him on Instagram @mandla_magic and on Facebook as well.