BY NOSIPHO MABUZA
MBABANE- Top Models Eswatini Director shares her vision, challenges, and industry-shaping journey.
Mbalenhle Manana, the visionary director of Top Models Eswatini (TME), has built an empire from the ground up, transforming TME into a globally recognised modeling agency over the past 16 years. In an exclusive insight, Manana opens up about what she looks for when scouting models, how she balances creativity with staying relevant, and the challenges the Eswatini fashion industry still faces.
According to Manana, selecting the right talent goes beyond looks. “When scouting models, I consider qualities based on certain needs and the type of modeling,” she says. While physical appearance, including height, body proportion, skin tone, and overall look, remains a key factor, it’s not the only consideration.
She emphasizes the importance of confidence, versatility, and adaptability, especially in today’s evolving fashion landscape. “A model who can adapt to different styles, themes, and concepts is very valuable,” Manana notes.
Work ethic also plays a major role. “An aspiring model should be dedicated and willing to put in effort wherever she is needed.” In an era where brand presence matters both on and off the runway, social media presence is non-negotiable. “Everybody is looking for someone who can market the brand internationally,” she adds.
Equally important is the ability to be a team player, collaborating well with photographers, designers, stylists, and fellow models. Finally, Manana believes that personality and unique features can be the game-changer. “A captivating personality or distinctive trait can make a model memorable in the eyes of designers and producers.”
As the director of an internationally-acclaimed agency, Manana balances creativity with relevance by prioritizing a strong personal brand. “Top Models Eswatini is trusted by big brands and helps upcoming ones grow into household names,” she says. TME has travelled to 15 countries, secured multiple awards, and is set to launch a new branch in South Africa.
She credits collaboration as a major driver of success. “I’ve collaborated with fashion show producers across Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and locally. I’m a full package, scout, runway coach, fashion stylist, international fashion show producer.”
For Manana, adaptability and continuous research are crucial to staying ahead. She has been instrumental in integrating fashion into Eswatini’s entertainment scene, partnering with events like the Eswatini International Trade Fair, The Epic Gig, Eswatini’s Biggest Braai, and Mlawula Campfire Festival. These platforms have given the fashion industry national visibility, and opened doors for upcoming modeling agencies.
“It was a risk, but it paid off,” she says. “We sat down with festival hosts, shared ideas, and now fashion is part of the entertainment DNA of Eswatini.”
While TME is thriving creatively and internationally, financial barriers remain a pressing issue. “The biggest challenge I face in managing top talents is the lack of sponsors,” Manana reveals. Many of her models are self-sponsored, relying on parental support, which limits how far they can go, especially when bookings happen multiple weekends in a month.
“The travel expenses are too much. We get many invitations from the continent and beyond, but our models can’t attend due to funding,” she says.
Despite the challenges, Manana remains optimistic. “The fashion industry is doing its best and we continue to fly the Eswatini flag high. We won’t give up.”
Top Models Eswatini continues to be a powerhouse, not just as an agency, but as a movement that’s reshaping how Eswatini is perceived on the global fashion stage, one runway at a time.
(Courtesy Pic)
