Times Of Swaziland: WHEN TALENT COMES THROUGH WHEN TALENT COMES THROUGH ================================================================================ BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA on 03/02/2018 00:47:00 Unemployment is one real and serious socioeconomic issue that the country is facing and currently, many families and the youth is affected by it. Also, college and university graduates are affected by unemployment and this has made a boomerang effect, especially among the youth. Model Pearl Mkhonta, an Environment Health Degree holder from the University of Swaziland, is not different from the other casualties who are battling with unemployment woes. This beautiful ramp queen from Mahwalala in Mbabane, has saw the positive in a somewhat dismaying situation. Between her part-time jobs and dropping applications, Pearl opted to be a ramp queen because of the talented body and beauty that she possesses and to top it all, to have an income. “The features that I have command me to be a ramp queen but for me, I saw this as an opportunity to make a little extra income while I am sorting out my career,” she said with confidence. Because of her striking looks, Pearl has been part of Fashion Without Borders, Tshwane Fashion Week in Pretoria, SADC Fashion Show, Mpumalanga Fashion Week and Design and many other local fashion shows, and she did all this, with her degree which she acquired in 2015. Since then, the beauty has had no permanent employment. “This situation has not destroyed my spirit. I am still bound for success and thanks to modelling, my hope is restored every day,” she said. ON MODELLING... As a little girl I’ve always had love for fashion and modelling. I had role models such as Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell. My friends and family would always tell me I have all it takes to be a model and my dad at one point wanted me to join Miss Swaziland but I never did. I guess beauty pageants were never really my thing. In 2012, I was like, let me do this. Someone referred me to Top Model Swaziland Director Mbalenhle Manana and that is where it all started. So far it has been a great journey for me and I am looking forward to more great things as I continue with my modelling journey. Highlights in my modelling career.... ehm! I’d say doing shows in SA and rubbing shoulders with the best designers from different parts of Africa...I’ve done shows such as Maboneng fashion week . So far, my best was the Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week. ON EMPLOYMENT AND FAMILY... I would not say modelling has been my means to make ends meet. I have been working temporal jobs, whatever I find at that moment but I’m still out and about looking for permanent employment. I have recently embarked on a business venture which I trust will be a success. My family is behind me a 100 per cent and also my friends. They keep me going, not to mention the inspiration they are to me. In a nutshell, I consider myself blessed. I can honestly say it is hard out there but perseverance should become part and parcel of their daily life. Other youth should never give up, and continue sending those applications and keep praying. One never knows when you are going to have a breakthrough. Also, I would say books should come before anything else; looks fade but education is a lifetime investment. Moreover, as young people, we should learn to put God first in all we do. Follow your dreams, be yourself and do not let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do.