My name is Zinhle Mankgane, and I am from Rustenburg in the North West Province. Growing up in a family that prioritizes education has been a cornerstone of my life. Raised in a household full of strong, inspiring women on my mother’s side of the family, I learned the importance of hard work, determination, and the belief that education is a powerful tool for change.

From a young age, my life was deeply intertwined with the church, where I eventually became a Sunday school leader. This role taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, responsibility, and community service. A fun fact about me is that I have an identical twin sister, and together we share a passion for modeling. We are both models.

My journey into modeling began with the encouragement of my church leader, who admired my poise and always referred to me as “Queen.” Despite financial challenges, including my late mother’s unemployment, a supportive aunt generously covered the costs of my initial modeling classes and registration. Within a short span, I was signed by GLOBE MODEL LOOK agency, which put me into the spotlight through features in the Rustenburg Herald, participation in fashion shows, and freeze modeling.

My talent caught the attention of Model Management, leading to opportunities for major commercial gigs with MTN and Coca-Cola. Although I faced some setbacks, such as not securing the MTN gig and having to pause my modeling career in 2019 due to my mother’s passing, my resilience held me through. I was also shortlisted as a finalist for Miss Junior South Africa in 2017, but financial constraints forced me to step back from the national pageant.

Throughout my high school years at Grenville High School, I demonstrated strong leadership capabilities. I served as a Representative Council of Learners (RCL) member for two consecutive years and was elected Chairperson of the RCL in Grade 11. My leadership journey continued in 2022 when I was elected as an executive leader at my school.

Mental health is a cause that is deeply personal to me. Having faced my own challenges and seen others around me struggle, I believe it is essential to raise awareness and provide support to young people navigating these issues. I am committed to being a voice for mental health awareness, advocating for a supportive environment where mental health is openly discussed, and ensuring that young people feel safe to seek the help they need.

Today, as the Face of House Education at my faculty, I continue to inspire and lead with grace, intelligence, and unwavering determination. My journey reflects a blend of personal triumphs, academic excellence, and a deep-rooted desire to uplift those around me.