Asanda Ndlovu takes top honours as Truth Models Academy celebrates six graduates

Nodumo Moyo [email protected]

Asanda Ndlovu emerged as the top model at the Truth Models Academy graduation show held in Bulawayo on Saturday, walking away with US$300 and an endorsement as the academy’s brand ambassador.

Ndlovu was among six students who graduated after completing their modelling training at the academy, with her overall performance earning her the top prize. The other graduates were Felicia Thandiwe Ndlovu, Thandeka Mpofu, Elizabeth Jeffrey, Junior Tinashe Mapfumo, and Kimberly Mutambashora.

As part of her new role, Ndlovu will receive professional backing from Truth Models Academy, with opportunities in modelling, music videos, acting, commercial work and pageants.

Truth Models Academy head, Khayelihle Pardon Khanye, said Ndlovu would be given priority when opportunities arise as she begins to establish herself in the industry.

“The graduate will have full endorsement in terms of getting gigs. She’ll be first priority, of course, because she’s now the brand ambassador of Truth Models Academy. She will get the first preference and first-class treatment of a first-class model.

“She’ll be getting more opportunities that come – music videos, acting jobs and commercial jobs. Right now, she is preparing for Miss Teen Africa Zimbabwe,” Khaya said.

One of the judges, model coach and former Mr Bulawayo winner Mzolisi Zibusiso Mtshayisa, said Ndlovu distinguished herself through consistency across the different categories.

“From all the categories, we saw a pattern of consistency, unlike others where they pick up as the show goes on. She was consistent, her walk was wonderful and so was her posture,” Mtshayisa said.

Ndlovu’s sister, Shantel Ndlovu, said she hoped the young model would use the platform to pursue her education while expanding her advocacy work.