A Conversation with South African supermodel Abulele Ngcangata
- Aug 30, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 16, 2025
Meet supermodel Abulele, born and bred in Johannesburg North. Abu talks to us about her early experiences with modelling and the power that came from realizing her own beauty and presenting it 'confidently' to the world. That same confidence has made it possible for her to work with some of the best creatives in the fashion industry.
Abulele is the great example of creatives who respect their craft and embody it in a way that's infectious.
Words Khaya Mnisi
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Khaya Mnisi: Hi Abulele, can you tell us about your journey to becoming what you are today?
Abulele Ngcangata: I was first scouted at the age of 7, but to be honest, it didn't feel like it was going anywhere due to my shyness in casting rooms and around strangers. My mom was super supportive, though; I remember her driving me to castings and meetings, she gave me a lot of freedom and independence to find myself. That trust and encouragement really made a difference.
I started modeling professionally in 2017. But before that, I had to create a portfolio. Luckily, I had friends in fashion who would often book me for their projects, and as my portfolio grew, I sent it to agencies. Soon after, I got signed to My Friend Ned at age 17, and I also landed my first national campaign for Telkom.
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KM: What are your career highlights so far- I mean you’ve worked with one of the best fashion designers in South Africa- Rich Mnisi on many occasions. Can you share how that experience was/is?
A: It was one of the most humbling experiences, in the sense that Rich Mnisi has this quite... big presence about him, you know? He has ubuntu; he makes you feel 'seen'. And that, I guess, contributed to my performance for the first campaign I did with him. It during the lockdown down phase, I had just started modelling and the world just shut down, and him booking me was like an affirmation from God that you are on the right track. I remember the buzz that followed a few days later when the campaign I did with him was released. It was a full-circle moment for me.
KM: What are the key factors for success in modeling, and how can aspiring models increase their chances of getting recognized by an agency?
A: It's definitely tough. You need to be someone who's comfortable with rejection and not take it personally. And it never ends - I still get rejected even to this day. Secondly, those features that you feel are ugly or that people make fun of -the gap tooth, the forehead- are your golden ticket to making it, so you need to embrace them. Thirdly, 'don't stop shooting.' There's no model who is above a test shoot; that's where you network and improve your skills.
"I have huge respect for modelling; It's an art form. It's not just about pretty pictures and selling clothes."
KM: I’d like to know what you get into when you’re not modelling? Is there a side of you that you’ve been exploring lately?
A: I love writing. I love anything that has to do with self-expression. I read a lot - like, if you give me a topic, whether it's on spirituality or something else, I'll obsess over it. I'm also trying to get into the acting space, so I'm doing courses on the side. But currently, what I'm fixated on is formulating my own beauty product, and I do that with my mother.
KM: Name two photographers you’d like to work with and why them?
A: Kitso Kgori is one of my favorite photographers to work with. She knows how to capture women in a beautifully empowering way, bringing out the ‘goddess’ in them- yes, it's sensual but without being over-sexualized, you get me. Another photographer I'd love to work with is Sj Vanzyl; I adore his style, which reminds me of the beautiful 9O’s portraits of singers like Brandy and Monica. His imagery keeps that timeless tradition and aesthetic alive, and it really resonates with me.
KM: What’s next for Abu, any projects you’re working on that you’d like us to know about?
A: I'm definitely tapping into the acting space, inspired by the model-to-actress path taken by stars like Zendaya and Cara Delevingne. l just landed a role as Lindiwe in a film called Low Rider, which is only been shown at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. You should definitely check it out.
What are the greatest strengths and the biggest challenges in the South African modelling industry today?
The biggest challenge in the South African modelling industry right now is that Black South African girls aren’t always taken seriously. We have voices, stories, and perspectives to share, yet it often feels like we’re expected to be something we’re not—or to look foreign or unusual—just to have a chance on international stages. Ideally, I’d love to see a world where South African models can become household names, following in the footsteps of icons like Naomi Campbell.
The best thing that modelling has done for me is unlock a new world of experiences that I wouldn’t experience as an average person; i get to meet people from villages in countries that ive never heard of and we’re all meeting because of this one specific creative thing.
Follow her journey on Instagram
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