BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– Eswatini’s modelling industry continues to evolve with remarkable speed, driven by the talent, discipline, and charisma of rising stars such as Siphiwosethu “Nenekazi” Shongwe.
Born and raised in Fairview, Manzini, Nenekazi has grown from a young girl with a dream to one of the nation’s most captivating runway figures.
With 18 local shows and six international stages to her name, fresh from her striking appearance at the Phakama Phumalanga Festival 2025 and crowned Best Model 2024 at the Eswatini Clothing Brands Awards, she has cemented her place as a force in local fashion.
Though fashion is a world of varying opinions and ever-shifting trends, one thing is universally acknowledged when she steps forward—her presence silences the room. Hers is a walk that does the talking long before she utters a word.
“I feel most alive when I’m on the runway,” she shares. “It’s the one place where all my confidence, my training, and my story come together.”
A WALK THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF
What sets Nenekazi apart is not simply her beauty or the precision of her technique—it is the unmistakable command she brings to the runway. She does not just walk; she occupies space with unmistakable purpose. Her stride blends sharpness with grace, every movement refined yet expressive. Her posture communicates discipline, her turns reflect intention, and her eyes carry an intensity that captures even the briefest attention.
“Every time I step out, I remind myself that I’m not just walking for me—I’m walking for everyone who believes in my journey,” she says with conviction.
Watching her feels like witnessing a narrative brought to life—elegant, assertive, and quietly powerful. Her presence at the Phakama Phumalanga Festival 2025 validated this reputation. The moment she entered the runway, photographers leaned closer, designers straightened with satisfaction, and the audience felt the shift in atmosphere.
“In that moment at Phakama, I felt completely myself,” she recalls. “I could see the audience responding, and it gave me an energy I can’t explain—it was pure magic.”
At that instant, she didn’t seek attention; she became the attention.
ROOTED IN CHILDHOOD DREAMS
Her love for modelling began at the tender age of seven, sparked by watching “America’s Next Top Model,” which ignited a curiosity that soon grew into a calling. As her mother’s first daughter, she learnt responsibility early—something that later shaped her formidable work ethic.
“My first memories of modelling are just standing in heels in front of the mirror, imagining myself on a runway,” she recalls with a laugh. “I knew then that this is what I wanted to do.”
Her official entry into the industry came in 2019 at the SADC Fashion Show hosted at the Happy Valley Hotel. Walking into the auditions with little more than courage and ambition, she left with her first professional booking. That opportunity opened doors to a path she has since followed with relentless dedication.
“I still remember that first show,” she says. “I was nervous, but the moment I stepped on stage, I felt this unstoppable energy. That feeling has never left me.”
A RISE BUILT ON RESILIENCE AND DISCIPLINE
Like every meaningful journey, hers has not been without struggle. Financing international trips, navigating limited sponsorships, and learning the industry through experience forced her to adopt resilience early on.
“I had to learn quickly that nothing in this industry comes easy,” she says. “Every challenge taught me resilience, patience, and how to keep believing in myself.”
One of her defining moments came at the African Women Designer Fashion Week (AWDW) in Mozambique, where she wore 16 of the 18 outfits presented—a feat that showcased not only her stamina but her deep understanding of runway artistry.
“That show in Mozambique was incredible,” she remembers. “I nailed my walk, felt the crowd’s energy, and realised this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”
She also credits a well-known local designer—whose name she prefers to keep private—with refining her walk, discipline, and signature runway flair.
“He believed in me before I even fully believed in myself,” she says. “He made me hungry for more, and that fire stays with me on every runway.”
A WALK THAT TELLS A STORY
Nenekazi’s stride holds emotional weight. Her walk reflects her experiences—her triumphs, lessons, and the hurdles she has climbed along the way. It is a walk shaped by perseverance and expressed with a maturity beyond her years.
“I walk like someone who refused to give up,” she states confidently. “Because I didn’t. Everything I’ve been through is on that runway with me.”
Her poise signals healing. Her balance communicates control. Her energy reveals a young woman who has turned adversity into elegance.
A FUTURE SET ON GLOBAL STAGES
Looking ahead, Nenekazi envisions expanding her footprint beyond Eswatini, aspiring to walk for globally recognised designers and feature in major international fashion capitals. Locally, she hopes to continue collaborating with brands through photoshoots, campaigns, and ambassadorial roles.
“What keeps me going is knowing there are young girls watching me and imagining their own possibilities,” she says. “I want to show them that hard work, discipline, and belief in yourself can take you anywhere.”
Her story reflects growth, resilience, and authenticity—qualities that continue to shape her into one of Eswatini’s brightest modelling ambassadors.
With every stride—whether at home or abroad— Nenekazi affirms her place as the undisputed queen of the ramp.
(Courtesy Pic)
