A young Potchefstroom man who grew up playing sport and serving the community will be competing against the best male models in South Africa at Top Model SA on 9 February.
Mandla Mbotho grew up and was schooled in the North West. He says serving the community, the influence of his family and competing in sports are what built his character and made him who he is today.
The first time Mandla realised he was interested in modelling was when he was watching America’s Next Top Model, where male and female models were competing.
The first competition he participated in was Mr Christmas. ‘I borrowed a friend’s suit. On my first attempt, I made the top three,’ he said. (His friend was Daniel Asiwe, who is now Mr Universal SA.)
After that, he entered Face of Potch in which he won the junior category. In 2016, he scooped five titles namely: Mr Emerald Valley 2016 at Sun International, Mr Jnr Africa 2016, Mr Tourism SA 2016, Best Model SA 2016, and Mr Ultimate Supreme King 2016.
Mandla will now be competing in Top Model SA, directed by Suzette Marais.
‘This will be my toughest competition so far. I will be competing against the best of the best. Top Model SA is the most prestigious modelling competition in South Africa and it offers International exposure,’ he said.
‘The who’s who of the modelling industry will be present and will be scouting talent. Not everyone will win but every entrant will have the opportunity to be scouted and signed by top modelling agencies like Boss Models and Ice Models, to mention just a few,’ he added. Mandla always wanted to be signed by Boss Models. At the show, he will be dressed by the international designer, Eugene Bowles.
‘I will be expected to be on top form, to be in shape and to be at my most confident.’ He says his smile and personality are what makes him different from other models. ‘Everyone has different personalities, which is what makes them unique.’
He describes this competition as a breakthrough for him in the modelling industry.
In ten years, Mandla wishes to see himself as a brand, developing his community and having influenced more youngsters to take part in activities that will change their lives for the better. His advice for young, up-and-coming models is simple: ‘Believe in your talent and realise that you decide where it gets you. Invest in your talent by understanding the modelling industry and what is expected of you to be an A-grade model.’ He adds that he would like to see more of the youth get involved in developing their communities.
‘Getting involved at an early stage helps. For those who have not been involved, you can start by registering to vote and making your vote count in the coming elections. That would be a magical way to start getting involved.’
Mandla says the municipality should support local talent by assisting them with funds or resources.
‘I would like an opportunity to engage with the mayor, Kgotso Khumalo, on this matter. The modelling industry and the broader arts industry are challenging and expensive, especially if you are from a disadvantaged background. This is one of the reasons so many of our youth abandon their talents for alcohol and drugs with the pressure of life. That is why the municipality is so vital and should assist them.’
A vote of thanks
‘Thank you to the municipality for helping where they could. Thank you, Tilana Huysamen (owner of Romans Pizza Potchefstroom) for sponsoring the pizza.
Thanks to the people who have played a supportive role like Mr Errol Temanie and Mr Cyril Henry for helping me and encouraging me not to quit. Another thank you to the Office of the CFO, Ms Yvonne, Aus Mahalia, Elmarie Weyers, Eddie Modiakgotla, Zipphora Vavane, Bra Oscar and the Office of the Mayor (I could refer to them as colleagues) and to the friends and family who have supported me.’
