Child model seeks help to attend US show

A SEVEN-year-old Khayelitsha girl is seeking assistance to fly to the US to realise her dream to model in an international show next month.

Kwakho Mamputa has already missed four rehearsals in Johannesburg that were scheduled between March and this month because she could not raise the R10 000 needed for her travel and accommodation in Gauteng.

Kwakho first impressed scouts from the International Presentation of Performers (iPOP) during auditions that were held in Camps Bay at the beginning of the year, and was selected to attend the Johannesburg workshop and then fly to New York to model.

The soft-spoken Kwakho hopes to perform at the iPOP fashion show in Hollywood from July 10-14 and audition in front of international directors, producers and agencies with children from various countries. Should she win, she will have an opportunity to study towards a career in modelling in New York.

Kwakho’s mother, Brenda Mamputa, said she fears the lack of funds will derail her child’s dreams. Local businesses that pledged to donate have not yet done so, while others offered to donate their products, including food, said Mamputa.

Return air tickets and accommodation will cost about R79 000 for Kwakho and her mother.

“It’s a lot of money that is needed. Time is not on our side and I have fears that we won’t reach the target, meaning this dream of a lifetime will not be realised,” said Mamputa, who owns a beauty salon not far from their home.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Kwakho and she is looking forward to representing not only South Africa but the African continent. She knows July is next month and she always reminds me of the dates,” said Mamputa, who added that her daughter started modelling at the age of four. Any money she receives from her modelling career will go toward her ultimate dream of becoming a doctor.

Kwakho said she would make all her supporters proud.

“I can model and will win,” she said.

Mamputa is the winner of this year’s City of Cape Town Safe City Award for establishing a soup kitchen that provides 700 meals a week.