Mohalenyane Phakela

JOHANNESBURG-BASED fashionista, Jaedi, has lined up a weeklong fashion and film seminar slated for December in Maseru.

The 31-year-old model told Xpress People this past week the seminar would be a collaboration with South African film production company, Rhythm Cycle Projects, to uplift the local film and fashion sector.

Jaedi, who was born Tsepang Sekhopha in Nazareth, said she was all too aware of the challenges local artists and models faced, hence the decision to come up with the seminar.

Now a runway model under Pro Act Modelling Agency, she came from humble beginnings having competed in the Miss Vodacom PC FM in 2014 and 2015 where she won the Miss Personality title twice.

She was also a youth facilitator at the Lesotho Youth Anti-Aids Movement and a backing vocalist for gospel outfit Tehilla Africa in 2012.

“Lesotho has a lot of talented people, and as a person who has walked the stressful journey to attaining success, I am determined to equip my compatriots with the skills I have acquired,” said Jaedi.

“Drawing inspiration from British model, Naomi Campbell, I used the skills I learnt from Pro Act to establish myself in the modelling industry. I am also working on my clothing line, Jdolt Fashion House.”

She said the seminar would bring to light how fashion and film correlate as well as train local artists on how to market their products.

“Lacking proper direction for many artists and models often leads to exploitation. The seminar not only aims to provide them with career skills but also to link them with prominent people in South Africa who will help develop their talents,” Jaedi said.

“The seminar is meant to foster the exchange of ideas, develop working relations and also provide local artists with exposure.”

Dubbed “Fashion and Film Week” the seminar is also set to explore cultural gear, ramp modeling, brand showcasing, socio economic skills and charity work within the fashion portfolio. In the film category they will address such issues as sharpening film skills, unleashing hidden acting and production talent as well as promoting local film and television content while also curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS.