By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 21-YEAR-OLD model from Mokgareng village in Taung is adamant that she will soon find her niche in the dog-eat-dog industry. Sharon Ofentse Twabile said it is not all glamour and prestige, as models put in a lot of long and thankless hours to become successful.

“There are different challenges that a model might come across. So, it will be wiser for anyone who would like to embark into this field to do it with eyes wide open.

“You cannot expect to walk into a modelling agency, do a few coils and expect them to sign you. Discipline, dedication and determination is needed for one to be successful,” she said.

 

Twabile said, it is always important for a model to sign with a reputable agency that understands and honour one’s values. She said the modelling industry can be laced with drugs, alcohol, rape and greed.

“My mother passed away back in 2013. At that time, I was still young and I was raised by my grandmother. I have learned many valuable lessons from her. I always wanted to be a model, so I did intensive research about the industry.

“So, I was fortunate enough to meet one of the local models at Thapama Agricultural School back in 2018, while doing matric. Getting words of advice and encouragement brought confidence in me,” Twabile said.

The award-winning model, who is studying IT at Central Johannesburg TVET College in Johannesburg, said she has already started as a fashion model.  

“I was happy when I got my first gig as a fashion model. I was advertising a clothing brand at Batlharose in Kuruman and many people loved it. I also have a few trophies under my belt. I was crowned as Miss Photogenic Taung Finest 2020.

“Last year, I also won a gold medal at Miss Teen Red in Tembisa, Gauteng. I would like to attest that it is not easy to be a model because one needs to have tools of trade and skill to be successful,” said Twabile.

She said there were times where she did not have enough attire or money to pay for entry fees to agencies. However, adamant Twabile said she is looking forward to enhancing her career and learning more skills.  

“I would like to advance my career and improve my knowledge about the industry. One of the important rules in this industry is to be aware of what you’ll be subjected to as a model.

“The industry can be very demanding and most girls sacrifice their own morals, integrity and beliefs just to get to the top. I have seen many girls compromising their values for fame and fortune,” Twabile said.

She also encouraged aspiring models to practise and master their craft. Twabile said models should maintain their original looks as possible, yet have confidence.

“I would encourage all those who want to embark into modelling to be ready to work odd hours. I would also urge them to consider their studies too. 

“It is imperative to equip yourself with education, so that you could understand the terms and conditions attached to your contract,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A quantitative analysis shows that many Grade 12s learners continue to struggle in preparations towards their national final matric examinations. Some of the challenges might be external, but the most direct might not be having correct learning materials to execute their work.

 

Now, this has clutched the attention of the well-known entrepreneur and author, Tumisang Nkwe. At 23, Tumisang The Entrepreneur as Nkwe is affectionately known, wrote his first study guide called: Distinction in Business Studies for Grade 12.  

“I passed my Business Studies and Economics with distinctions. So, after finishing my matric, I went to Potchefstroom to study at CTI Education Group.

“I broadened my studies and went on to study BCom in Business Management, even though I wanted to study BCom in Entrepreneurship because it is something that I am always passionate about,” he said.

Nkwe said being born in the outskirts of Taung in Mokassa village, he fully understands the hardships of learners, especially those in deep rural areas. He said his study guides are designed in a simplified way to be understood by learners.

“Basically, what happened is that, after finishing university in 2015, I was doing an internship at the North West Social Development between 2016 and 2017. After the internship, I wanted to do something, hence I decided to write a book.

“At the moment, we have a study guide called, Distinction in Business Studies for Grade 12, 11 and 10. We also have books called: Distinction in Economics for Grade 12 and 11, Distinction in Accounting for Grade 12 and 11,” said Nkwe.

Nkwe, who also owns a footwear company called Dese, said he had established a publishing company called TANE Education.

“We take a group of authors and they will write books for us. At the moment, we have people who are busy writing books for other subjects like Life Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and all other streams.

“I am not only an author, but run the day-to-day operations of the company. For now, our main focus is on academic books only. We are still waiting for our books to be screened by the Basic Department of Education (BDE), so they can be incorporated into the National Catalogue,” said Nkwe.

He further said his study guides have made inroads into various schools across the country.

“We go to various schools and present our books to be used by learners. So far, learners in different schools such as Pinagare, St Pauls and Bogosing High are using them.  

“This includes schools in Kimberley, Potchefstroom and Mahikeng. We have created these study guides with a sole aim to improve matric results across the country,” he said.

Nkwe said his study guides are easily understandable.  

“Amazingly, we have learners who came forward and said they got distinctions after using our study guides. We have a learner at Jerry Mahura High School in Dryharts village who passed Business Studies with 100% in 2019.

“We also have three learners who passed Business Accounting with distinction after using our study guides. So, we could see enormous improvements,” said Nkwe.

He added that their study guides are cost-effective and affordable. Nkwe said, they are selling each study guide for R200 and they have promotional packages, where learners can get three study guides for R500.

“Learners can also get two study guides for only R300. These packages are very convenient and we also offer free 24-hour lessons if you purchase them. We want to see our study guides being used in every classroom across South Africa,” said Nkwe.

Those who would like to purchase the study guide books can contact Nkwe through his official socials: Facebook: Tane Education, Instagram: Tane Education or alternatively call 0789511050  

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