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Rutendo Kanogoiwa  Showbiz Reporter
RUNWAY supermodel Tholakele Dlamini has set up a modelling agency – Bold – in Bulawayo which will see her training up-and-coming models. The agency, situated at Megawatt shopping centre in Parklands, opens its doors on Friday and will not only be dedicated to slim and slender models, but plus size models too.

After participating in so many international modelling events and making a name for herself, Dlamini said she saw it fit to impart her knowledge and experience to others back home.

The Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2013 Model of the year said she decided to set up the agency to assist those who aspired to be professional models, with the aim of giving everyone an equal opportunity.

“I’ve met a lot of people who tell me that they want to try out modelling but don’t know where to go. These are the people who motivated me to start this project, especially the not so slender ones who we’ll also train for photographic modelling. There are stores which cater for big people and such models will be needed to advertise these products,” Dlamini said.

She said those who had failed to qualify for the Miss World Zimbabwe pageant due to their height and body size were welcome to join her agency as it caters for different people.

The Hunnar Management Agency model will personally train the newcomers for the first two months before roping in other capable personnel to assist her as she focuses on preparing for runway events.

“We’ll train people to be runway, photographic, editorial fashion, swimsuit and sports models. The agency will not only be for females as males are welcome to try out sport and runway modelling,” she said.

Asked why she had named her agency Bold, Dlamini said it was because the agency was for models who are brave and not scared to be involved in new ventures and challenges.

Dlamini urged fellow models to support her project which she believes will be a game-changer in Bulawayo as there are not so many modelling agencies in the city.

“I’ve a lot of faith in this project and believe it’ll be different and hopefully better than other agencies. I’m very experienced in the modelling industry and will share my experience with others,” she said.

Dlamini has participated at the Intwasa koBulawayo Arts Festival, Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg (2010), Swahili Fashion Week in Tanzania (2009) and Fashion for relief in Tanzania (2009).

The model, who returned to Zimbabwe in 2012 after spending three years in South Africa, said she was considering going back to that country.

“There’s nothing much to do here compared to South Africa which has a vibrant fashion industry. I’m still finalising and will reveal my plans once I’ve secured deals.”

According to her, she returned home for a change of scenery.

Those who will attend the launch will have an opportunity to interact with the well travelled model and celebrate her successes.