By Gcwalisile Mhlabane (Intern)
LUYENGO – She’s more than just a pretty face—she’s a movement in motion.
At just 19 years old, Mayenziwe Owethu Maseko from Luyengo, Eswatini, is carving out a space on the runway where identity, tradition, and empowerment walk hand in hand. In an industry often focused on fleeting trends, Maseko brings something timeless—authenticity rooted in culture.
Her modeling journey began like many young dreamers: wide-eyed, watching the graceful strut of international models on TV. “I was captivated by the elegance of the models,” she recalls. That childhood awe quickly turned into action. Last year, she stepped into the world of modeling with intention, diving into various genres—runway, beauty, and cultural modeling—each one a unique reflection of her spirit.
But for Maseko, modeling isn’t just about striking a pose—it’s about telling a story. “Fashion means storytelling and empowerment,” she says. “It’s my language, my way of expressing who I am and where I come from.”
Her biggestinspiration is Lelo Mayisela, a model known for embracing grace and authenticity—qualities Maseko strives to channel in her own career. Already, she’s making waves. She recently became a finalist for Miss Mandela Day 2025, a platform she uses not just to showcase beauty, but to amplify important causes.
“This platform has given me the opportunity to advocate for something bigger than beauty,” she says with conviction.
Maseko is on a mission to redefine what it means to be a model—especially in a country where the industry still faces challenges like poor compensation and limited support for aspiring talent.
“The industry needs more support,” she explains. “Many models are expected to bring their own clothes for shoots. We need to value creative work more.”
Still, she stands tall, using fashion as both her art and activism. Cultural modeling has become one of her strongest statements, with traditional wear serving as more than just attire—it’s an embodiment of history, pride, and voice.
“Our traditional wear tells powerful stories. I want to show that modeling can be purposeful and culturally rich.”
Maseko’s dreams are as dynamic as her presence. She’s planning to launch Mr and Miss Luyengo, a local pageant to uplift and showcase young talent in her community.
“I want to empower and uplift upcoming talent in my hometown,” she says, passion in her voice.
And that’s not all—she also envisions her own fashion label, one that reflects the richness of African elegance and the strength of cultural pride. Beyond the catwalk, her ambitions stretch into the field of medicine. She believes healing comes in many forms—from a confident stride to a scientific solution.
“Healing can happen in many forms—through beauty, culture, and science.” As she continues to rise, Mayenziwe Maseko is proving that the future of fashion isn’t just stylish—it’s meaningful. Her blend of tradition, modernity, and purpose is not just inspiring a new generation of models—it’s reshaping the entire narrative.
