Standing at a good 1.5 metres tall, 13-year-old Wamashudu Manwadu has everything required to make a good model. That people started asking her if she was a model since she was 11 years old, and that when she replied "no", they would not believe her, is not surprising.
This effect she had on people encouraged the young beauty to give modelling a try, and today this Grade 8 learner from Mphaphuli Secondary School in Maniini, outside Thohoyandou, is living her dream.
She has already participated in a few beauty pageants, including the Miss SA Toddlers Beauty Me 2019, where she was crowned Queen, the Miss Muphulusi Foundation 2019, where she took the spot of second Princess, and the Miss Vhembe Supranatural 2022 Pre-Teen, where she was recently crowned second Princess.
Now Wamashudu has her heart set on the prestigious Miss Thohoyandou 2022 title, where she made it to the final, which will be held in Thohoyandou in October 2022.
"Modelling is a tough terrain, but trying harder and believing in myself is what keeps me going. I am more than determined to make it. With the support I am getting from my parents, especially my mom, nothing is going to stop me from achieving my dreams. Knowing that my hard work and perseverance will help me achieve greater professional success motivates me greatly," she said.
Wamashudu, who looks up to former Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi as her role model, said that for her to have a balance between her schoolwork and her modelling career is very important. "Beauty without brains is worthless, and education is very important as it opens doors. My biggest motivation of all is my family. They are my biggest source of inspiration and my strongest supporters as well. When I see my parents working, it gives me the drive to be like them. Their dedication to their work is what inspires me."