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BEING A LISWATI MODEL AND MORE ON CORONAVIRUS

25/04/2020 22:34:00 BY THEMBELANI NHLABATSI

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With a string of runway features, Mangaliso Ndabezitha is definitely a man to watch out for in the Eswatini modelling space. His colourful and dandy fashion sense is everything to be desired as he tells us that his collection of clothes is only set to inspire and impact people to want to dress like him.

His colourful socks tell a story of their own as he mixes and matches everything from head to toe. STYLE joined him for a chat as he told us what living in the era of COVID-19 has taught him.

Tell us about yourself?
I am Mangaliso Ndabezitha, born and raised in the Shiselweni Region.
I graduated last year at the University of Eswatini where I was doing a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities. However, I decided to further my studies by enrolling again into the same institution where I’m doing my Post graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) because of my passion for teaching. I’m a quiet but outgoing guy and in my spare time I enjoy reading novels. One novel that got stuck in my mind is Robert Kiyosaki’s ‘Retire Young, Retire Rich’. I’m a big dreamer and very ambitious. I’m very much obsessed with fashion and modelling.

What inspired you to do modelling?
While growing up, I used to watch a lot of fashion shows, especially Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model. This show kindled the modelling spark in me and I have never looked back ever since.

How long have you been in the modelling industry?
I debuted in modelling around 2017 when I was signed by Swazi Epic Models. I then later joined Top Models Eswatini. I have been around for quite some time in the modelling industry and I have had my ups and downs but as you know, perseverance is key.

What inspires your style?
Dressing well and being fashionable is something I have always practised! I would describe my fashion sense as unforgiving! I’m inspired by many people but Sr King Dapper stands out. I believe the way we dress says a lot about our personalities. I live by the code of dandyism which says ‘we should dress to impact not to impress’. I also live by my own mantra which says ‘I don’t dress to live, but I live to dress’.

What did you dream of becoming when you were younger?
I’ve always wanted to be an actor! Even today I still have the burning desire of fulfilling that dream.

How relevant has your modelling career in the industry been with the ever-changing times?
Oops wow! As a model you don’t have to be comfortable because times change as well as fashion trends.
You must be flexible enough to accommodate the changing times. You must be always on your toes, you can’t be complacent. You have to adjust.

What is the one thing that you wish you could do differently in your career?
I wish people could change the way they perceive models; if the path could be perceived as a career in the country. We have a lot of talents here, I’m telling you, but because of lack of sponsors, good models end up pursuing other careers. I wish we could get more sponsors. If I had the financial muscle I could help nurture young and upcoming models. I have observed the hunger, the talent and the passion exuded by some of the models I have worked with. There is a lot of talent that is not nurtured out there.

In the time of COVID-19, how has your career been affected?
Oops! I kind of feel emotional now. COVID- 19 has derailed my progress because I had planned for something big this year but I had to postpone because the whole world is going through a crisis and is on lockdown. I have my own crew of male models known as ‘The Elegant Dudes’ Eswatini’ and we had planned to host a winter fashion show this year around May, however, due to the pandemic we had to postpone until next year. It is such a terrible life-changing experience.

Were there any plans looming before the virus was declared a national emergency?
This spread of the virus also affected a planned trip to Bloemfontein, South Africa where I was set to join some guys; they are a crew of gentlemen who focus more on fashion and style. They asked me to join them in June this year for a workshop where they will be giving tips on men’s fashion. This was more of a conference and as the way things are happening I don’t see myself going.

How do you hope the experience of COVID-19 will impart on you?
In as much as COVID-19 has negative impacts on everyone, it has opened my eyes that sometimes we people should learn to focus on themselves. This COVID-19 has helped me to rediscover myself. I’m using this time to revisit myself, look at my fears, my weaknesses and surely after this COVID 19 I’ll come back stronger.