By Nomsa Dlamini (Intern)
LOMAHASHA – Sihle Sifundza’s Journey from Chance Encounter to Modelling Inspiration!
Not all modelling careers begin in front of flashing cameras or under the glare of runway lights. For 24-year-old Sihle Sifundza, it all started with a walk through the streets of Manzini—a day that would unknowingly change her life.
Born and raised in the tight-knit communities of Nduma, Sifundza grew up grounded in tradition and surrounded by love. While she once viewed the world of modelling as a distant dream, today she is steadily making her mark, one runway at a time.
“It was one of the luckiest days of my life,” she recalls with a smile. “I was just walking, not even thinking about modelling. Then someone from the Art and Culture department Mbalenhle Manana saw me and said she liked how I looked and invited me to join a modelling group.”
While many would have jumped at the opportunity, she made the mature decision to finish her education first. At the time, she was in Form 4 at Elangeni High School and felt the demands of modelling required her full attention. “Modelling is demanding,” she explains. “You really need to focus on it, and I knew I couldn’t balance both.”
After graduating, she stepped into the industry with focus and determination—and the fashion world welcomed her. Sihle has since graced runways in Mozambique and South Africa, building a growing portfolio and reputation in the regional modelling scene.
But her journey hasn’t been without hardship. In April last year, she survived a serious accident that could have derailed her career. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she remained undeterred.
“It didn’t stop me,” she says resolutely. “I’m still healing, but I never left. I’m still in the game.”
Beyond the lights and glamour, Sifundza is also becoming a voice for change in the modelling industry. She advocates for body positivity and inclusivity, pushing back against out-dated standards.
“People think you have to be a certain size to be a model, but that’s just not true anymore,” she says. “Whether you’re size 28 or 40, there’s a place for you. You just have to believe in yourself.”
To young people who dream of stepping onto the runway, her message is powerful and personal: don’t let fear stop you. “Modelling has changed my life,” she says. “It gave me confidence, opened doors, helped me meet people I never thought I would. It even helped me learn who I really am.”
From a quiet stroll through Manzini to commanding runways across borders, Sihle Sifundza is living proof that dreams sometimes find us when we least expect it—and that true success begins with believing in yourself.
