SADC glam lights up Ladybrand

My Housy Guest House in Ladybrand will sparkle with a unique blend of regional culture, glitz, and glamour on Monday next week when the Kings and Queen Modelling Agency hosts the inaugural Top Model SADC Fashion Festival.

Models from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are set to descend on the capital to showcase fashion flair and catwalk excellence.

In an interview, the festival’s founder and president, Limakatso Makutle, described the event as a shift from her extensive background in pageantry to a new, inclusive celebration of fashion and modelling in the region.

She said the event is designed as a “red fashionable carpet affair” with a jungle theme, complemented by an expo featuring products from various SADC countries.

Makutle noted that the model selection process was inclusive, welcoming participants of all body types and heights from across the region.

Local designers will also take centre stage, presenting their creations in line with the jungle-inspired theme.

“The festival aims to elevate fashion within the SADC region by creating a platform for networking among models, designers, and businesses,” she said.

“This is just the first edition, but our goal is to grow it into one of the premier modelling and fashion events on the continent,” she added.

Participants will also showcase national and cultural attire as part of the festivities.

While the event has faced challenges, including limited local support for modelling and pageantry, Makutle remains optimistic.

She confirmed that Lesotho-based models are already involved, and there are still opportunities for designers and companies to secure exhibition space.

The festival has attracted support from sponsors such as The Sky Lounge restaurant and several international fashion houses.

Makutle hopes the initiative will spotlight the modelling industry’s potential to foster business, collaboration, and cultural exchange across SADC nations.

While some event details are still being finalised, she encourages aspiring models to chase their dreams, no matter how modest their beginnings.

“Start where you are,” she urged. “There’s always room to grow.”