Munzhedzi Mabirimisa from Tshirolwe village in Nzhelele is a very talented special-effects make-up artist who has been trying to break into the film industry for years, but she says no one is willing to give her a chance.
In 2015, the young artist graduated with a diploma in make-up artistry from The Face to Face Beauty & Make-up Design School in Northwest, Potchefstroom. She became a qualified somatologist and beauty specialist, specialising in fashion make-up, special-effects make-up, massages, nails, and reflexology.
After completing her studies, Mabirimisa returned to her hometown to set up her own practice, despite the challenges of starting such a business in a small town. "It was never my dream to become a beauty specialist, but when I completed my matric, I didn't want to just sit at home, so I decided to enrol at the school. Now I have fallen deeply in love with this career, especially the special effects," she says.
Mabirimisa (27) has spent a lot of time practising and perfecting her talent by doing her own make-up. She says that to apply make-up takes her about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the kind of make-up the client wants. She is determined to make a difference in her own community, but she is not receiving the recognition and support she had hoped for.
"The biggest challenge I am facing is references. I have the qualification, but I haven't worked with any high-profile or recognized TV/film companies, and I am struggling to break into the industry. I want to showcase my work and talent for creating wounds and other special effects and bringing them to life with make-up. I have learned so many different techniques. If I can only get into the film industry, it will also inspire and put our Venda people on the map again," she said.