By Sbongile Nonyana
Rearabetswe Ipeleng Makhamatha, 19, from Mashimong in Hammanskraal, is appealing for help to raise funds for her to travel to the US to pursue her modelling career.
Rearabetswe started modelling when she was 11, in Grade 4. She was inspired by her mother’s modelling pictures.
“One day, I went through the photo album and saw my mother’s modelling pictures,” she said. She wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps. “I instantly decided that I wanted to join beauty pageants.
“When I was in Grade 4, there was a beauty pageant competition at my school, and I registered. I did not make it, and I was so sad that I decided to quit pursuing a modelling career,” she said.
However, when she was in Grade 11, she met a girl who told her she could participate in many different types of modelling.
“I did my research, and I became interested in commercial modelling. I kept on pushing myself by joining beauty pageants in my community.
“I decided to join the Moretele Fashion Week competition. That is where I got a lot of exposure. I ended up being a runway model at Jubilee Mall,” she said.
After that, she entered online competitions and was selected to audition for the International Presentation of Performers (iPop) on Saturday, 24 August, at the new NH hotel in Sandton.
iPop promotes emerging talent to leading agents, managers, casting directors, and music industry professionals. The event is held twice a year in Los Angeles, and performers from over 30 countries attend.
“I got a message from the iPop director telling me I was signed as one of their models. He said I must travel to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on 2 January.”
Rearabetswe said she needs R100,000 for training for the iPop convention, a flight, food, a hotel, and a portfolio shoot.
Her mother, Priscilla Makhamatha, was thrilled when she heard that iPop had selected her daughter.
“I was very excited when I heard the news. This is a lifetime opportunity for my daughter, and I pray that God guides her through every step of her career.”
“I am asking for assistance from anyone who can help cover all her expenses. I am a single mother whose salary cannot cover the costs.”
Pictured above: Rearabetswe Ipeleng Makhamatha.
Source: Supplied
