Chipinge model sets sights on international career

An aspiring model based in Chipinge is setting her sights on breaking into the international fashion scene. Pauline Tendwa, who launched her modelling career in 2023 while residing in Germiston, South Africa, has returned to her roots to focus on developing her professional portfolio.

Speaking to this publication, the 19-year-old, who hails from Mutsvangwa in Chimanimani, stated that she gained considerable experience in the South African modelling industry.

“When I was in school, my desire was to become a renowned athlete. I became a good athlete when I was in Grade 4 to 7 at Makocheredze Primary School in Chipinge. I represented Manicaland Province at the national athletics level for those three years. But when I enrolled for secondary education at Gaza High School, things changed.

“I later migrated to South Africa to join my elder sister, who had found employment there. With no friends to practise with, my interest in sport suddenly dropped. It was my sister who encouraged me to take up modelling as an alternative to athletics,” she explained.

Tendwa indicated that entering the arts was not easy for her, initially due to a lack of confidence. She credits her sister’s support and the inspiration she drew from a Korean pop group she followed on social media for motivating her, proving that one can rise from humble beginnings to achieve great things.

“I received basic coaching in modelling but still had little confidence. Finally, I entered one beauty pageant contest. That day was the most difficult experience I had had in my life by that time,” she recalled.

“I was so nervous that I could not do catwalking, despite having received training before. Suddenly, I broke into laughter, laughing at myself instead of being serious on stage. I ruined my day. But later, I gained confidence, and here I am, full of modelling skills,” she added.

Tendwa now aspires to become a brand ambassador for local and international organisations. She expressed her gratitude to her elder sister, Eunice, and Chipinge’s celebrated Afro-Fusion artist, Dr Chivhuno, for their unwavering support through thick and thin.

Pauline Tendwa is inviting owners of clothing outlets to consider her for brand ambassador roles for their lines. She can be contacted through Doc Media Management on +263 779 123 571.