Top Model Tshuma Off To New York

By Mogomotsi Moloi
Correspondent | Monday March 31, 2008 00:00

 

Her elder brother, Tebogo, who is a police officer and plays for the Police XI Premier League side, accompanied her. Tshuma, who triumphed during last year's stiff modelling competition, is going to join Trump Model Management (TMM), a renowned model agency in New York. 

Before her departure, Tebatso spoke excitedly about her prospects as a world star. 'I am thankful about this trip to the Big Apple in the United States of America (US). It is not only for me but for also my family and the country as a whole,' said the elegant Tshuma. She stated that she looked forward to a bright future though she was uncertain what New York had in store for her.

Her mother, Nnene Tshuma, also could not hide her excitement for her daughter. Nnene said she wished her daughter all the best in her ensuing career. 'Tebatso is very talented in netball. We never thought she would turn into a model and we were shocked to hear that she won this competition,' expressed the mother of five in an interview with Showtime. 

Nnene, a staunch Christian with Spiritual Healing Church, said she had never thought that one of her children could reach this level and this really shows that 'God is great.' She said Tebatso should be herself and behave well in New York so that she becomes successful. 'She should be serious about this as it may turn her fortunes around,' advised the mother. She said Tebatso is still young therefore she should refrain from mischief if she wants to succeed.

Though Nnene is not a modern person, she is not against the young generation venturing into fashionable vocations. But she calls for caution.

Orange Botswana Public Relations Manager Karabo Tlhabiwe said it was not by chance that Tebatso won the Botswana International Modelling Expo. The former Botswana Television (Btv) news presenter stated that Orange and Fashion Lounge would ensure that Tebatso and her brother were safe in New York.

He assured the Tshuma family that the sponsors will be transparent in all the transactions vis-a-vis Tebatso's prizes.

Tlhabiwe indicated that just like Kaone Kario who is now making waves in the modelling industry, Tebatso is in for a bright future.

Kario won the Nokia Face of Africa and she is now based in Cape Town, South Africa. Orange Botswana is very proud to have discovered another model in Tebatso, said Tlhabiwe.

'We want to make Botswana shine. Orange has the ambition to make stars and we wish Tebatso all the best where she is going,' said the Orange Public Relations Manager.

He added; 'We would make sure that she comes back a superstar.' He said this is one sign that Orange will help catapult more young Batswana to global success.

He said there has been a lot of scepticism when this modelling competition started but critics will be shocked to see Tebatso riding the crest of success with modelling.

Just like her mother, Tlhabiwe urged Tebatso to give her best shot to impress the United States modelling agency. He told her to behave, as she would be Botswana's ambassador.