Qs & As " Godfrey Mphatswe’s Modelling journey"

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Godfrey's Samsung 1646

Godfrey's Samsung 2852

Businessman and founder of the GeeJunction (pty) Ltd, Mr South Africa finalist 2016, newly elected Mr SA board member 2017, a professional model and the Face of Bogart Man 2017. When Maya Angelon said "Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud" she was referring to the kind of Godfrey Manyane “Gee” Mphatswe, the world's humble self-made businessman and enthusia

stic modern day human rights activist.Whom also owns an annual fashion show brand representing people with albinism and disabilities.We took some time out to get to know more about the gentleman.

Tell us more about your modelling brand and the opportunities it gives people with albinism and disabilities.

This started when I adopted Rainbow Day Care for kids with disabilities last year and realized just how much they are closed outside the bigger picture of being celebrate and just to let them shine, they deserve better and to be heard as well. That is how my annual fashion show came about.

What are the major skills and qualities you've acquired in the 10 years of your modelling in the industry?

I started at school through beauty contest, where I will always come out as Mr Handsome/Title holders and look at where this landed me. I am now a professional ramp, commercial/editorial model and still learning and going internationally soon. This industry is very hard and harsh especially in South Africa, and do not expect to make a living out of it only; you need to balance it with other professions be it businesses. You need to learn more and network as much as possible, mostly to sustain relationships. Stay humble, leave your super star tendencies, they will do nothing but slowly crash you. Being humble will move mountains for you.

Tell us about your big breakthrough as the new Face f Bogart Man 2017 and how this has added to your personality profile.

It came just in time, and I dedicate it to my fellow South Africans who are always there to support me and I am not just a handsome face but using it to continue what I started with Mr South Africa, touching lives of my people. Bogart Man is a huge and reputable brand with 30 stores in SA and me being part of the Bogart family means magic as they are not just centred in fashion and profits but touching lives.

If you were not a professional model, what profession would you have chosen rather? Elaborate

Ha Ha, I think I am living my life fully as I am not just a model but work for SABC as a Wellness Marketing and Communication Coordinator, I am an importer of health products from India and a business leader for Avon Justine. I do not believe in doing one thing in life, I always believe I can do more and better. I am now venturing into acting; and excited about the developments.

Besides your late loving mother, who has been your inspiration till today and why?

My mother will continue to be my inspiration, it is impossible to replace what she taught me as it is relevant and a life lesson. I learnt to respect, love and to always be humble no matter what I achieve or become in life. Caring and putting other’s first is what she was all about and that continues to be one of my traits.

Tell us more about your partnerships with big South African brands like Radio 2000, Channel Africa and SABC on their activation and initiatives.

These brands saw and observed what I am all about and hence the invites to their activation/initiatives, SABC’s value chain speaks to what I believe in and mostly connecting the fellow Africans. Me working with these big brands has not only opened great platforms for me but made it easier for me to connect and share cultural diversity with my fellow Africans.

What is your take on human trafficking?

It really breaks my heart to learn that our people are this sick, to oppress their own and disconnect others from the joys of lives. I still ask myself why?

What advice would you give to the youth entrepreneurs on leading successful businesses?

“It’s up to us as entrepreneurs, to see the world as it should be, not necessarily how it is. When you think you’re sure of the way things are, that’s when you get passed up and you don’t see the opportunities that real entrepreneurs envision.” No matter your background, skill set, or passion in life, starting and growing a successful business can be done with the right combination of hard work, determination, and seizing the opportunities that come your way. Stay focused, research and seek for guidance from others who have made it in life, and adjust their strategies based on insights from those who've done well before them. Be all ears at all times to take in great business advices be it from the experts or end-users.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? (Obviously including your modelling brand also)

I see myself as a proud African professional model and a brand representing SA internationally; and being able to assist the neighbouring countries with their charities. I see Geejunction being the vehicle to take me to all this.

What are the disadvantages of being a media personality and how does one overcome them?

Media Personalities are always judged for every little thing that they do, they are not referred to as normal because of the nature of what they do. They are not expected to be seen walking to spaza shops or down town, they are mistaken to be rich and people who have made it in life. Remain real; firstly to yourself and knowing that loving, respecting and taking care of yourself is a priority will indeed help in sustaining yourself and what you are all about. Do not be hard on yourself; life is our platform to shine.