SOUTH AFRICAN PLATINUM BLUE MODEL WETHU ZITHA TAKING US IN HIS MODELING JOURNEY
By Themba Emanuel Mashobane
Modeling can be an exciting career with many benefits, including travel opportunities, flexible hours and access to the latest fashion trends. When beginning their careers models often complete interviews with modeling agencies or fashion companies. In modeling there are specializations, as cat walk modeling, ramp modeling, character modeling etc. So models choose which type of modeling they will follow or suit them. Hence the culture of modeling has change when compare to the previous years as plus size people are rocking the industry even short people are on fire, which makes the industry more exciting and crazy about modeling arts.
Who are you and what do you stands for?
- I go by Wethu Zitha, a Family man and Dancer/Fitness/Model/Music/Acting. I believe and stand for humanity, with the rise of social media through technology we have disconnected with core values. From family to society, we have drifted and we need to unite as human race. And being human about is the way forward.
Which Province you were born and raised?
- Mpumalanga principle
What are your greatest strength as a model?
- Confidence and Adaptation. You need to be versatile and learn new tricks. And being confident through failure has a great impact on one’s character. Positive impact that is.
When you suffer a setback during a shoot, how do you cover?
- I talk myself out. I believe we all have unique ways we deal with pressure in anything. Admitting to yourself of any wrong doing.
Being a reliable model is utmost importance. How do you describe your work ethics?
- Professionalism, like being punctual and respecting your peers does it. Professionalism maintains cool vibes in an environment.
How do you react if you asked to do a shoot were not comfortable?
- Communication is important. I remember doing an ad for well known beverage brand. The lady who was with the directors, she told me in front of them that if I was tired and/or feel like i need break or anything. I should tell to stop it. I was like wow that just confirmed a theory I long had. That no matter what, raise your concerns professionally and sincere if you come across something that is unsettling inside the chest.
Tell us something we wouldn’t know about you, from looking at your portfolio?
- That I am a Father. And I’m enjoying my moments with having people to teach and learn from them, no matter their age. I think i also think is true. Some people think I’m lying. And I’m like cool 😎…
What is your greatest weakness, as the model?
- My Height, I’m so short for this industry. I hope the future will have the height removed from the requirements on the modeling space because it is body undermining of some kind.
What are you doing to improve on it?
- Dressing up and showing up, walking tall. I believe one must be present in the most uncomfortable situations, greatness is recognized.
What are your goals as a model?
- To be honest, I’m not doing it for a good cause of healing the world or anything like that. This one is about me as a Brand…
Who do you look up to in the modeling industry?
- (Damn) That’s a tough one; i know many models from SA, the likes of that guy who did an ad with a certain perfume brand (Spray lol). Of a clue is Indian. But since I’m allowed to mention names Zweli Dube and Maps Maponya just to name a few. But that’s just then well known ones. There’s a guy by Kundai kenjie Marupa he’s a Parkour and a Model. As well as Thabang Ditshego Phaleng, a Fitness Instructor.
When have you worked among a diverse group of people?
- When we were doing an ad for that beverage brand i mention above. It I was one epic experience. There were a lot characters. From Street Vendor sences to boys playing street soccer and a dog roaming around. To big building and swimming pools. Dancers and models the list goes on. To top it off. Good food man, one thing about me as a model. I have a huge relationship with food.
When entering a new modeling gig, describe how you build a relationship with the creative team or your fellow models?
- Try to always by all means maintain a conversation. Once you’ve discovered an opening, use it. It could about anything question or statement. Like flirting instead in this case you don’t but use your professional tone. Lol but you remain truthful and wishful/hopeful in your statement and/or questions.
Models need to be clear communicators. Rate your communication skills from 1-10.
- 9, I’ll leave a room for 1 to take the misunderstandings that may arise.
Tell me about your education and training related to modeling?
- I’m currently finishing up my Fitness Training Certificate. And my modeling started way back checking my walk in front of mirror. Take that and ‘ slow mo’ it. Lol yeah I’m that Dude
Are you the best model, why?
- I’m a best version of myself. I built my body the way in versioned it would be. I believe everyone is the best version of themselves. I’m saying these we all trying our best in the best way we possibly can.
Tell us about your experience as a model?
- I learned it gets tricky on the finance side because it is not consistent (Fixes Income). It is not a full time job, remember, it is a gig.
Tell me about your most difficult photo shoot?
- None ever, i mean even from small projects or semi cool projects with fancy gadgets. Look, i think one was enjoying himself. I told myself that I want to enjoy this experience with my whole being. I was wondering where i was getting all that strength I was getting when i was facing rejections in all my other Auditions.
What did you choose to pursue a career as a model?
- Honestly, modeling is not much like a career to me but an additional stream of income and to boost my brand. I believe being versatile, yes the sky is the limit and if modeling is taking me to those heights, I’m game. Cause our break through are unique like that, only God channels us into these directions. I believe God made me love my body so much to share it on stage with the world. So i gym to give my God given Body a sharp shape to be on top of my game.
Do you work under pressure?
- I can but i prefer to minimize all factors that may do. I think i feel pressure through my preparation phase. After that, it is like working more intensively than i would normally do. So we can call it pressure but it merely a different speed of work.
How do you handle a situation where a photographer does not properly direct you?
- This goes back to communication, i don’t have a problem with a photographer touching me or holding me to their own direction.
How do you deal in uncomfortable situation?
- Uncomfortable situations happen in our daily lives. I usually note it down in my mental register. Not taking things too hasty, remaining calm. And plan my approach about concerns i have. I like to think a lot, and that’s sometimes good but sometimes bad too. But in this case, I’d think through my approach.
Would you consider yourself as a creative person?
- Yeah a lot. I have been involved in a music creative space with brothers (Artists) from Soshanguve PTA, Soweto JHB and Nelspruit. The last project I did lastly was with the Nelspruit Brothers. We did a music video for a song called Imali by Ngwana on it/Pakza & Flame Masco. We all had versatile roles to play. So apart from the acting part i got, i was a Project Manager and Assistant Director.
As a model have you ever broken a contract, NDA or confidentiality agreement?
- No, not that I know off. I never had a disputes or conflict in my any line of career i was involved with.
Do people see you as a trustworthy and honest individual?
- I’d like to believe so, yes. I believe i am and one can count on me because I keep my promises. And i don’t know what rule number that is but one must always keep their promise.
Have you ever been fired from a modeling job?
- No,
What was your last paying modeling job?
- The last paying model gig was the Beverages brand i mentioned. It was, the other gigs were more of competition based.
What is the risk of staying unfit as a model?
- There are no harmful risks, however not staying fit may result in psychological breakdown or difficulties.
It is vital importance to eat healthy as a model, why?
- One of the most important things about modeling is your health. Both physical and mentally. So when you eat healthy foods your body will always be there for you. It will fight for you. Do not ever need any setbacks when you’re modeling. Specially one that will impact your health.
You can hook up with Wethu Zitha on his social handles.
Tiktok & Instagram : We2daDaDude.
Facebook : Wethu Zitha zee
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