Brackenfell sisters Rethabile, 10, and Katlego Sello, 6, hope to show off traditional African clothes at the International Modelling and Talent Convention in New York this July.
Their mother, Eva Sello, says her daughters played dress-up and modelled around the house in her clothes, so she enrolled them at the ACE Modelling Academy in Bellville.
“It was the best decision I could ever make. “My daughters have become confident, and their personalities have grown. This makes me proud.”
With only 11 months of experience, since February last year, the girls have bagged more than 20 crowns and trophies between the two of them.
Rethabile won “best pageant walk” and “model of the year” in her age category.
Katlego won “best up-and-coming model”, “best overall performer” and “second princess”.
Last September, they also performed at the International ARTS Talent Showcase where a talent scout suggested Ms Sello let her daughters join the modelling boot camp in New York in July.
But she says each child needs R100 000 which includes, flights, eight nights stay at the Hilton Hotel and photo shoots at Times Square and Brooklyn Bridge in New York.
“Seeing my daughters up on stage gets me teary every time. I wouldn’t like for them to lose out on this opportunity at all,” Ms Sello said.
She has started a BackaBuddy drive, so far bringing in R25 000 of the R200 000 she ultimately hopes to raise for the girls’ trip.
Call Ms Sello at 072 145 7305 or visit www.backabuddy.co.za/katlego-rethabile if you want to help.