Nomonde’s sunshine

Nomonde Sambakusi was all smiles when South African designer who also happens to be the designer for First Lady Callista Mutharika, Frederick Elu Eboka, called out her name as Fame model of the year 2011. CHEU MITA had a chat with this feisty young woman to know more about her.

What does your name mean?

My name is Xhosa meaning the chosen one, but for me, it means sunshine, it brightens my day.

I am the last of eight children. My late father, Mr Arthur Edward Sambakusi was from Ntchisi and my mother Ruth Kadzuwa from Dedza. I have three living brothers, Shupo, Thokozani and Tamandani and my brother Kaso died when I was young. I have three sisters Mau, Chikondi and Mada.

I was born and raised in Blantyre, and have lived in many townships including Nkolokosa, Chilomoni, Chitawira, Sunnyside, Namiwawa, Chilobwe, but I am now based in Lilongwe.

What dreams did you have as a child?

I have always dreamt that I will be someone of power. When I was younger, I would sometimes look at myself in the mirror and pretend to be interviewed live and I would answer my own questions, I had dreamt of being the first female president in Malawi. I studied history in secondary school because I thought it would help me to build my career as the president. Ha, how things change with time!

My sister Mrs Mononga has always been my role model. Not only is she my sister but she is also my friend. She inspires me to go after my goals and gives me the building blocks to believe in the true value of life. On the international scene, I have been inspired by female achievers and always wondered how they became great in life and also in people who made a difference in ordinary people’s lives like Mother Teresa – how she gave up so much to change people’s lives.

I grew up in a divorced family, which is not easy, but it helped me to be a strong person that I am today. Being the youngest in the family made me grow up fast. The one person who loved me the most was my elder sister who loved and took care of me. My dad was a strong Christian, who helped me to be what I am today. We used to have family evening prayers which moulded and instilled Christian values and morals in me and my other siblings. There was no excuse for not going to church on a Sunday. When I don’t go to mass on Sunday, I feel something missing in me.

Assertive, hard-working and determined. When I set a goal for myself, I am very focused and do not allow distractions to stop me from achieving that goal. I never doubt my belief in the goal.

That was an ‘aha moment’. Winning has never been an obvious thing, I had confidence that I was doing great, but I had no idea on how the other girls were doing on the runway. I thought the other models were great and my participation really was not to compete, I had fun and winning was just icing on the cake.

There are prospects already, some agents and fashionistas are showing interest. And the Swahili fashion week coming up will be a great opportunity and exposure for me.

All the outfits that I modelled were awesome, it is like they were made for me, the African bride was something that showed creativity at its best. Modelling for Eboka (First Lady Callista Muntharika’s South African designer) was also something; his outfits have great details that I love. Malawians are coming up with amazing designs and I love all of them.

I dress for the occasion. I like to be comfortable in what I am wearing. I am comfortable in heels; I am a shoe person and my outfits are guided by the shoe that I am wearing. I love clothes that are simple then I can accessorise.

I wish I could do more of modelling, they say when you do what you like, you will never work in a day. Modelling in Malawi is not fully developed, and will not pay your bills. Given an opportunity elsewhere, I would probably pursue it as I love to wear nice fitting fashion clothes. However, I am also an up-and-coming entrepreneur. I am developing juice manufacturing company. We currently manufacture Malambe-Baobab natural drink and distribute to some shops in Lilongwe.

This industry is not fully developed in Malawi, but with more designers coming up and showcasing their art, I am so sure the face of modelling will change in Malawi.

There are several types of modelling that one can pursue in, the common one in Malawi is the fashion print and product modelling, this pays a lot of money. The runway modelling is not fully developed, but I am sure it’s on the right track with Fame and more designers being promoted. Modelling is fun and like any work needs hard work too. When people see models, they think it is all about looking good and good clothes. A good photo shoot will go on for hours just to mention. So one needs to identify with the kind of modelling they want to do and go for it.

I love to have peace of mind all the time. Anything that disturbs my peace of mind will worry me. Being healthy and being in touch with my God is ultimate.

I like to spend my weekend with family. That’s perfect for me. Family is God’s given friends. A good movie or a day trip to the beautiful Lake Malawi is also an ideal relaxing day for me.

I go to the gym two times a week to keep fit. Naturally, I am what you see. I do not diet, but I eat healthy. I love salad.

I am not married and hope to settle down with someone when the time is right.

Nomonde’s credentials

Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities Degree from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College

Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration with ESAMI

No formal modelling training