Though still a teenager, Hlonela Mrwetyana is an international model, dancer, actor and current Brand Ambassador for Hemingways Mall and will soon be jetting off to Spain in the hope of being crowned Miss Teen Universe SA 2023.
She and Bajabulise Thela, from Johannesburg, will be representing SA at the pageant from February 22-28.
The contestants are required to demonstrate social skills, intellect, talent, style and poise.
Mrwetyana, who was introduced to the arts at the age of three, has proved herself a talented performer in any medium.
She has been trained in dance and music, plays several instruments, and sings.
She has always wanted to be an actress and enjoys an easy chemistry with the camera that enabled her meteoric rise in the modelling industry.
In 2018, she was crowned Miss Teen SA and then went on to win Miss Pre-teen Universe SA in 2022.
In addition to these titles, she has walked on international stages such as New York Fashion Week, has hosted DStv’s cooking show, Kids Kitchen Relay and featured in the short film, The Gardener. On February 11, Hemingways Mall, in collaboration with Just Models and Wendy H Bridal, hosted a send-off ceremony for the young beauty queen.
Hemingways general manager, Nobubele Ncube, said: “We felt it necessary to celebrate her achievement as she is a child of Buffalo City going on to an international platform to represent us as the East London community.
“We want her to know we are very proud of her achievement.”
Davianne Blignaut, the founder of Just Models, said: “Hlonela started with me when she was a little girl and it is amazing to see how far she has gone.
“I’m humbled to have been a small part of Hlonela’s modeling journey, seeing her develop into a confident, assertive and ambitious young lady. She is a true inspiration to her peers.”
Hlonela’s mother, Khokela Jubase Mrwetyana said: “She is one determined child and when she decided she wants to achieve all she has in the media and entertainment, there was no stopping her.
“She has been incessantly preparing interview questions and attends frequent sessions with her online coach from the pageant.
“She has dedicated a lot of work to this, she is an ambitious child, I know she will do herself proud.
“I’m not sure what more she hopes to achieve but I know she wants to venture into acting so we hope opportunities will come her way.”
The Mrwetyana family would like to thank Wendy H Bridal, Heminways Mall and Just Models for their support.
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