By Phumzile Ndlovu
MBABANE – Imagine seeing your face on billboards across town, and getting paid for it!
This is the inspiring story of 24-year-old Miyanda Mahlangu from Ezulwini. Recently, she landed a billboard gig for Eswatini Bank through an agency. We caught up with her to hear how it all came together.
WHEN DID YOU BECOME A FACE MODEL?
“I’ve never solely been a face model,” Miyanda explained. “I’ve done a variety of creative work, including presenting, radio co-hosting, content creation, and brand promotions. My journey into billboard modeling happened through agencies reaching out to me.”
HOW MANY BILLBOARD GIGS HAVE YOU DONE?
“My first billboard gig was for Swazi Plaza. This latest one, for Eswatini Bank, is my second.”
HOW DID YOU LAND THE ESWATINI BANK GIG?
“It was through Yati Media,” she said.
ARE THERE AGENCIES IN ESWATINI THAT SPECIALIZE IN BILLBOARD MODELING?
“I’m not aware of any agency solely focused on billboard modeling. However, Eswatini has several media companies and agencies that create diverse content for organizations. These agencies reach out to different individuals for various roles, including billboards, depending on their client’s needs.”
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR ASPIRING FACE MODELS?
“Put yourself out there! Network, socialize, and connect with photographers and creatives. Post your work and let people know what you do through your captions. Eswatini has several creative spaces where you can network without any fees.
“Participate in workshops such as Yini Loku at Alliance Française—it’s a great starting point to meet people. Many opportunities come through referrals, so build strong relationships while honing your craft.”
DO PEOPLE RECOGNIZE YOU FROM YOUR BILLBOARDS?
“Yes, they do! A friend of mine, Lindo, once called me after seeing my billboard. I was so confused—I thought I was on a police notice board!” she joked.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO SEE YOURSELF ON A BILLBOARD?
“It feels surreal. Sometimes, when you achieve things, it doesn’t feel real. But it’s also satisfying—it’s progress. It shows me that I’m moving in the right direction.”
HOW FAR ARE WE IN MONETIZING MODELING IN ESWATINI?
“I’m not entirely sure since I haven’t fully immersed myself in the industry. However, I don’t think modeling can be a sole source of income here. The gigs aren’t frequent enough to rely on. You need another source of income to support yourself while investing in your modeling portfolio.”
WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS?
“Locally, my role model is Zindzi Thwala. Internationally, I’d say Thuso Mbedu.”
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF NEXT AS A BILLBOARD MODEL?
“Everywhere—both locally and internationally!”
