Reotshepile Mogapi, a 22-year-old model from Zeerust in South Africa’s North West province, is proving that big dreams can come from small places. Growing up in a village where success is often overlooked, she decided at 17 to follow her passion for modeling and make a difference. “Someone had to stand up and say, ‘I’m going to make a change,’” she says.
Since she was young, Reotshepile has loved watching beauty pageants. She admired the confidence of the contestants and dreamed of being on that stage. “I remember watching beauty pageants on TV and being mesmerized by the confidence and beauty of the contestants. That made me want to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone,” she shares. Inspired by well-known models like Zozibini Tunzi and Naomi Campbell, she saw a future for herself in the industry. “Their dedication, passion, and persistence in the industry inspired me to pursue my own modeling dreams.”
Joining a pageant was a big step for her. She wanted to challenge herself, gain confidence, and improve her skills on the runway and in front of the camera. “The experience has been nothing but incredible, with opportunities to meet amazing people and learn from industry experts,” she says. Though she was nervous at first, she soon realized how much she loved modeling. “I was nervous but excited. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. My heart was racing as I had never done anything like this before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.”
Like many models, Reotshepile has faced challenges. Rejection and criticism are part of the job, and they can be tough to handle. “One of the biggest challenges is dealing with rejection and criticism. It can be tough to hear negative feedback, but I’ve learned to use it as an opportunity to grow and improve my skills,” she explains. But instead of giving up, she has used them to grow. “I remind myself that rejection is a normal part of the industry and that it doesn’t define my worth. I focus on positive affirmations, practice self-care, and surround myself with supportive people.”
One of her proudest moments was being crowned first runner-up in a pageant. “It
was a dream come true, and it validated all the hard work and dedication I had
put in,” she says. This achievement showed her that her hard work and dedication
were paying off. It gave her the confidence to keep pushing forward in her
career.
Reotshepile believes the modelling industry in South Africa is growing and
becoming more diverse. “There are many talented models and creatives
emerging, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” she says. She hopes to work with
top local brands and designers while building her portfolio. Her ultimate dream
is to go international, collaborating with platforms like South African Fashion
Week (SAFW), Vogue Africa, and Victoria’s Secret. She also dreams of working
with designers like David Tlale and Gert-Johan Coetzee, who inspire her with
their elegant and empowering designs. “Their brands embody elegance,
sophistication, and empowerment, which aligns with my values and aesthetic.”
Beyond modelling, Reotshepile is passionate about empowering young women
and promoting body positivity. Having experienced bullying because of her
weight, she now wants to encourage others to embrace their uniqueness and feel
confident in their skin. “I was bullied a lot because of my body weight, but I’ve
learned that I’m capable of overcoming my fears and pushing beyond my comfort
zone.”
To aspiring models, her advice is simple: “Believe in yourself, work hard, and stay
focused. Don’t let your background or circumstances hold you back. Surround
yourself with positive people and never give up on your dreams.”
When things get tough, she stays motivated by focusing on her goals. “I remind
myself of my reasons and the goals I have set for myself. Also, I celebrate small
wins, practice self-care, and seek motivation from role models and mentors.”
Reotshepile is grateful for all the support she has received and appreciates
everyone who believes in her journey. “Thank you for believing in me and my
dreams! Your love, encouragement, and support mean the world to me.”
With determination and passion, she is well on her way to making her mark in the
modelling world. Her story is a reminder that no dream is too big—even for a
small-town girl from Zeerust.
