27 Jul 2014

Two aspiring models from Botswana will join other models from the rest of Africa at a fashion show in Johannesburg in November this year after impressing at a models seminar organised by Basetsana Mbewe of Model-It Agency in Johannesburg last month.

Mbewe said in an interview that 23-year-old Edah Selwana of Tutume and 21-year-old Eureka Mazebedi of Thamaga impressed her and would join other models at a fashion show billed for Johannesburg.

“I must say that the seminar was a success and we are hoping to build on this year’s success for next year’s seminar,” said Mbewe, adding that she was representing the two models with her agency.

Mbewe said her models would get the chance to showcase some outfits at the Women in Jazz and Afro Soul Open Air Live Music Festival in Cape Town in December. “Only 10 of our models from Model-It Agency will be showcasing at this event,” she said.

BOPA caught up with the two models to hear what they learnt at the models seminar and their thoughts on being chosen to go back for the fashion show.

Eureka indicated that the most important thing she learnt at the seminar was how best to nurture her talent and realized that modelling was not just about making a quick buck but rather using the opportunity to give back to the community.

She said the opportunity to benchmark with established designers, make-up artists and models from South Africa was a once in a lifetime opportunity and gave her some valuable insight.

She said she was exposed to a number of upcoming big events in South Africa’s modelling calendar and competitions.

“I will be taking part in the fashion show organised by Basetsana Mbewe in Johannesburg towards the end of this year and also another fashion show in Cape Town in December and other shows lined up for early next year,” said Eureka.

For her part, Edah said the seminar taught her not to depend on anyone to build her brand but to build herself as a brand.

Edah said the highlight of her seminar was meeting Andries Hendricks who is a professional model in South Africa and that he was willing to help her advertise herself more.

“Meeting the organizers from Top Model World South Africa and South Africa Talent Championship also was a highlight as they told us about the various benefits of taking part in such endeavours,” she said. ENDS