Exclusive contract for runner-up

Honeydew resident Renaldo Nel’s second place in the Face of Clearwater Mall competition has landed him a contract with model and actress Shashi Naidoo’s modelling company, Alushni. “This means so much to me because Naidoo’s agency is very intimate. Only a few models are accepted. After I was crowned first prince, she came to me with her business card and said I should contact here”, Nel said. Naidoo was one of the judges at the Face of Clearwater Mall competition.

“The competition was so lovely, but it felt like five minutes. Behind the scenes we were running around like crazy. We had four scenes to do but we only rehearsed three times before the show began.”

Nel did not expect to fare so well. “I am very pleased. You compete with people that have been in this industry for years. However, I was not nervous. I have participated in Mr Gauteng so I am used to how these competitions work.”

Nel said he gained a lot of exposure. “People are suddenly noticing me. There have even been Facebook and Instagram invites. I am not used to this but I have to admit I enjoy the attention”, he joked.

In the following months he will join Alushni. Next year he is in matric, but will combine his studies with working for the agency.

“It is not easy getting employment, so I am grateful for the opportunity. Face of Clearwater Mall really gave me the necessary exposure seeing this is the industry I would like to enter. To be involved with Naidoo’s agency is a huge honour,” Nel concluded.