“Limits only exist in your mind.”
Dynamites indeed come in small packages – in a world where dreams often seem distant, one extraordinary young woman is proving that age is just a number.
Meet Enhle Mdakane, a 15-year-old grade 10, powerhouse from Curro Heilderwyk in Brakpan, who is redefining what it means to be a leader and an achiever – No, make that an overachiever!!! Born in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, Enhle moved to Johannesburg at just two years old, where she joined her mother, Landi Khumalo, and began her journey toward greatness.
Early Beginnings
At the tender age of five, Enhle discovered her passion for the arts by joining the Sibikwa Arts Centre. Here, she immersed herself in marimba, drama, and dance. However, it was dance that captured her heart like no other. By the age of eight, she had become a member of the South African Dance Teachers Association (SADTA) and quickly rose to prominence, securing a championship title within just two years.
A Natural Model
Enhle’s charisma and poise were evident from an early age. At just four years old, she would strut in her mother’s heels, envisioning herself on the runway. This innate talent led her to Rampage at age nine, where she honed her modelling skills. In her second year, she was crowned Model of the Year in the pageantry world—a title that was just the beginning of her illustrious career.
Her journey took her through the Steel Model Academy, focusing on fashion, before she found her way back to pageantry. Under the guidance of Valarie at Vogue Catwalk, Enhle flourished, ultimately earning titles like Miss Benoni, Miss Newcastle, Miss Cancer, Miss Eco South Africa, and even Miss Eco International. Competing against women up to six years her senior, she brought home the crown from Egypt at just 14 years old, raising the South African flag high.
A Champion on the Runway
Enhle’s modelling accolades are impressive. She is the face of Kryolan in Sandton and was previously the face of Nespray Fortigrow at age eight. Her runway experience includes prestigious shows like Fashion Without Borders in South Africa and Botswana, as well as Soweto Fashion Week. Recently, she was named Best Orlando Kids Teen Runway, securing a spot to walk for international designers in the Dominican Republic later this year.
Giving Back to the Community
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Enhle has a heart for her community. She has initiated school clubs in the East Rand focused on teaching kids about agriculture and sustainability. Collaborating with the Etwatwa Greening Team, she launched a gardening project at Barcelona Primary School, empowering the next generation to combat food insecurity through hands-on learning.
Enhle emphasizes the importance of the three R’s—reuse, recycle, and reduce—advocating for environmental stewardship among her peers. “Food is expensive, and our generation needs to learn more about agriculture to put food on the table,” she asserts.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
At just 11 years old, Enhle founded her own brand, Show Up, starting with a perfume line that has since expanded to six collections—three for men and three for women. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects her belief that “limits only exist in your mind.”
A Vision for the Future
Enhle Mdakane envisions a world where youth occupy leadership roles, inspiring others to dream big. Her relentless drive and passion for making a difference serve as a powerful reminder that age does not define capability. As she continues to break barriers, Enhle is not just a role model—she’s a movement.
SA POSITIVE NEWS celebrates Enhle Mdakane, a true testament to the power of dreams, dedication, and the unyielding spirit of youth. As she paves her path to greatness, there’s no telling how far she will go.
Keep an eye on this rising star; the world is just beginning to see what she can achieve.
By Sinenzolo Mondi
