Africa-Press – Eswatini. She’s fierce, focused, and flying the Eswatini flag high on Africa’s biggest runways. At just 23, Nontsetselelo Mayisela is already turning heads and breaking boundaries in the world of fashion modelling and she’s just getting started.
Born and raised in Mankayane, Mayisela’s rise from small-town girl to rising runway star is the kind of story that turns dreams into movement. She’s walked shows from Soweto Fashion Week to Lesotho’s Maru A Pula Fashion and Auction, proving that beauty, brains, and boldness can take you far.
“The diva personality I show on the runway helps me express parts of myself that words can’t,” she says. “It’s a powerful way to tell a story without speaking.”
Though she brings high fashion fire to the runway, behind the scenes she is surprisingly low-key. But every once in a while, a show fits her like a glove.
“The AFI x Metro FM Awards fashion show was it for me,” she recalls. “The dramatic hairstyle, the blood-red lipstick—those weren’t just looks. They were pieces of me.”
In the glitzy world of modelling, where cultures blend fast, Mayisela makes sure her roots stay visible. “People often assume I’m Zulu,” she says. “But I proudly explain—no, I’m LiSwati-That matters. We have a rich identity, and it deserves to be seen too.”
But it’s not all lights and applause. Behind the glamour is a grind that can wear even the toughest out. From unpaid gigs to brutal rejections, she’s seen the tough side of the industry.
“I’ve been rejected more times than I can count,” she confesses. “I was told I wasn’t skinny enough for straight-size or thick enough for plus-size. It messes with your head.”
Still, she fought back—not with anger, but with action. She built a daily fitness and skincare routine that’s now part of her lifestyle. And she feeds her mind just as much as her body.
“Reading helps me stay sharp,” she says. “When you’re smart, it’s easier to fight negativity and stay focused.”
Even as she struts confidently down the catwalk, she has her eye on more than just fashion.
She’s already exploring acting, attending workshops to prep for the screen, and she’s planning to pursue a degree in Marketing and Business. Fashion Design might also be on the horizon.
“Modeling isn’t just about clothes,” she says. “It’s a way to show power, class, and emotion without saying a word.” And though it’s risky to speak out in a tough industry, she’s not afraid to use her voice.
“I want young girls to know that beauty isn’t just a look—it’s what you create from nothing. Even if your family doesn’t understand at first, stand your ground. They’ll get it one day.”
Nontsetselelo Mayisela isn’t just walking the runway—she’s paving one. With Eswatini pride in her heart and bold ambition in her step, she’s not just modeling clothes—she’s modeling courage, creativity, and confidence for a whole new generation.
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