KUGOMPO CITY- A new modelling academy aimed at empowering young people through confidence-building and personal development has officially opened in KuGompo City.
Vanquish Modelling Academy (VMA) launched on 4th July 2026 with founder Siyamamkela Wanga saying the academy is about more than teaching young people how to walk a runway.
The academy caters for children and young people between the ages of six and 25, with a focus on helping them overcome fear, bullying and low self-esteem while developing confidence, public speaking and leadership skills.
For Wanga, the launch also marks a new chapter in his career. It is the first project he has led independently after leaving Enhance Your Passion Modelling School, which he previously co-directed with his former wife, Isipho Madondile.
“The separation was not nice. It took a huge toll on me,” Wanga said.
“But regardless, I had to get back up, stand up and continue to serve the KuGompo community.”
He said the name Vanquish means ‘to conquer’ and reflects the academy’s vision of helping young people overcome personal challenges.
“Our programme is designed to address low self-esteem, self-doubt, self-sabotage, lack of confidence and bullying so that learners can perform to their full potential,” he said.
Furthmore Wanga emphasised that, the idea for the academy came six to seven weeks after his departure from Enhance Your Passion Modelling School. He described the period that followed as emotionally challenging.
“I was fearful of the unknown, but fear holds us back from doing what we are supposed to be doing, which is finding our purpose in life,” he said.
He credited close friends for encouraging him to pursue the venture and said he remains open to working professionally with Madondile and Enhance Your Passion Modelling School in the future.
In addition among those who have joined the academy is Zingci Mqhayi, from West Bank, who began modelling in 2025 through the Miss Anesu Girl’s Power pageant.
Although she did not win the competition, Mqhayi said the experience inspired her to continue pursuing modelling, eventually leading her to VMA.
“Joining VMA showed me that modelling is not about your body, your size, your age or your height. It offers opportunities beyond the runway,” she said.
She added that the academy’s location was another reason she joined.
“My previous academy was an hour away. I used to walk home afterwards and it wasn’t always safe. This academy is much closer to home.”
Nineteen-year-old Inako Uyathandwa George, who has won several modelling titles, said she was drawn to the academy because of its vision.
George said she began modelling in 2019 while in Grade 6 after experiencing bullying at primary school.
“Modelling became part of my healing journey. It gave me confidence and showed me that I could use my experiences to inspire other young people,” she said.
Parent Unathi Wontoti, who attended the launch, said the academy’s emphasis on personal development made it stand out.
“The vision of Vanquish Modelling Academy is about building children’s self-esteem, confidence and teaching them public speaking,” she said.
“Many young people are exposed to negative influences, and the academy gives them something positive to focus on while developing important life skills.”
The academy currently trains girls and young women, but Wanga said he hopes to expand the programme to include boys in the future.
“I also believe boys deserve an opportunity to showcase their talent too,” he said.
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