09 Nov 2017

She started modelling at the age of 16 and became the first winner of ‘Gemstones Model Search’ competition at 18, and then she was on her way to New York to work with the biggest agencies in the world (Wilhelmina Model Agency).

Having also tried her hand at acting in South Africa with a couple of roles in TV series’ last year and her continued involvement in hosting the Models & Creatives Workshop in Botswana to nurture and grow the industry; Mmina Gaebonwe has always been someone who gives back to the community and on November 12 she is set to host Yoga classes in the name of charity.

Mmina has been around the block and she can only get better, and mind you, she is still in her early twenties but her drive and passion for social responsibility is one that defines her most.

With her travelling around the world and getting to interact with people from all walks of life, she indicated that she has always looked at different ways of giving back the little that she can.

“The yoga classes will be hosted in the global labs business school studio block 205 at the University of Botswana this coming Sunday from 9am,” she said.

Mmina further said all those interested in joining her at the yoga classes should bring a donation of between P10 and P50 depending on what the person can afford.

“A person can also bring any item of clothing, shoes, toys and books. We are doing a Christmas charity run, so give somebody the gift of a Christmas filled with love,” she chipped in.

With the 193-member United Nations General Assembly having approved by consensus, a resolution establishing 21 June as International Day of Yoga; Mmina said apart from spiritual goals, the physical postures of yoga are used to alleviate health problems, reduce stress and make the spine supple in contemporary times.

The declaration of this day came after the call for the adoption of 21 June as International Day of Yoga by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014.

“Yoga is also used as a complete exercise program and physical therapy routine and what better way to combine this with a charity run,” said Mmina.

She continued saying yoga has been shown in a study to have some cognitive function (executive functioning, including inhibitory control) acute benefit.

She noted that by practice of yoga, one can turn out efficient work within a short space of time, resist temptations, remove disturbing elements from the mind and attain full success in every walk of life.

Mmina said through the practice of yoga a person can control the subtle forces within the body and command nature.

“You can unfold all your latent faculties and develop physical, mental, supernatural and divine powers.

The whole mystery of nature will become an open book to you,” said the dashing model.

Some of the things yoga may increase include feeling of wellness, positive attitude, energy levels, memory attention, concentration, social skills, self-acceptance, flexibility and strength, improve symptoms of heart failure, enhance cardiac rehabilitation and chronic low back. ENDS