Thandeka is not ashamed of her struggles
Thandeka Mathibela needs your help to rebuild her mother’s house which is about to collapse.
eMZINONI – There is an enormous amount of pain and struggle behind the pretty face of the local model Ms Thandeka Mathibela.
She is known for her modelling talent that led to participation in the Soweto Fashion Week and being a finalist in the Miss Mpumalanga 2015 Peauty Pageant.
Despite this, Ms Mathibela said the house she is living in, is on the verge of collapsing.
She tried to get money to rebuild her home through modelling gigs, but there is never enough money.
Ms Mathibela said she cannot carry on with life as if everything is alright.
“I have been keeping this pain inside me a secret, but I can not anymore.
“The public must not get me wrong, I am not looking for handouts or pity, but I really need help.
“I have tried to enter pageants in the hope of winning money to change the situation, but it has consumed the little cash we had.
“I have looked for a job without luck, until I decided to work hard in the modelling industry and even opened my own company.
“It however did not generate enough of an income for it to stay open.”
In an attempt to change her life, Ms Mathibela decided to return to school to pursue her dream of becoming an accountant.
She is studying at the Gert Sibande College and NSFAS is sponsoring her studies.
Ms Mathibela’s modelling career began in high school when she also entered beauty pageants.
“Growing up was not easy as I was the tallest girl in the class, if not in the school.
“My school mates teased me about my height and body weight, but that did not kill my dream of becoming a model.
“I love modelling and will continue with it while I study.”
Despite her own challenges, Ms Mathibela is regularly involved with charity work in the community, such as donating clothes, blankets and food to the less privileged.
She called on people who can help her rebuild her mother’s house.
“I feel my story needs to be heard.
“There are so many young people who are looking up to me, but they have no idea what is happening in my life.
“There are also many people who are in my situation and I believe my story can change someone’s life as much as it will change my own.”
Contact Ms Mathibela at 074 957 4055.
