International model Enica Seshoka has made it clear that she believes it is time for South Africa to properly recognise her contribution to the fashion industry after receiving a nomination at the SA Fashion Awards.
The model, who has built an international career spanning some of the world’s biggest fashion capitals and luxury brands, did not hold back when speaking about the recognition.
“At this point I just want SAFA to give me my award. They have embarrassed me a lot now. Is enough. Nobody can compete with me,” she said.
Seshoka went further, questioning the continued presence of other models on award lists while arguing that her international achievements set her apart.
“All the girls here, nobody is doing what I am doing and nobody represents South Africa like me. Actually why is this girls here every year on this list?” she said.
From KwaMhlanga to the world
Seshoka’s story is one of South Africa’s most striking international modelling journeys.
Born and raised in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, she was discovered after photographs she posted on Instagram caught the attention of Nigerian model scout Joan Okorodudu. At the time, Seshoka was 20 and had only recently completed her schooling.
Her discovery quickly changed the direction of her life.
Within months, she was walking the runway at Paris Fashion Week, making her international debut alongside established models including Alek Wek. Her breakthrough was followed by appearances at major fashion events and work with international publications and brands.
Her journey from the township to the international fashion circuit was documented by local media at the time, with Seshoka describing the experience as surreal.
Her international modelling profile has since included work in fashion capitals including Paris, Milan and New York. Models.com lists her as a South African model based in Milan, with runway credits including Calcaterra, Marco Rambaldi, Onitsuka Tiger, Andersson Bell and Stella Jean.
From Burberry to the world’s biggest fashion names
Seshoka’s career has also taken her beyond the runway.
She became associated with Burberry and was featured in the launch of the brand’s B Series, working during the period when Riccardo Tisci was leading the fashion house.
Her international portfolio has also included luxury names such as Moncler, as well as editorial and campaign work connected to major fashion publications and brands.
Her career has previously been reported to include appearances in T Magazine, as well as campaigns for Dior and Nike.
Industry profiles have also highlighted her work with Burberry, Moncler and international publications including GQ Italia, Vogue and Marie Claire, while documenting her appearances across fashion weeks in New York, Milan, London and Paris.
‘Nothing has ever stopped Enica from thriving’
Sharing an editorial shoot with GQ Japan, Seshoka reflected on the trajectory of her career and the resilience that has kept her working internationally.
“Enica has been a star since the days of Burberry. She still went ahead and became a mom, she rose again and be working with international brands such as JW Anderson, Moncler, Miu Miu, Moschino and many more. Nothing has ever stopped ENICA from thriving and winning,” she said.
Her career has indeed extended well beyond the breakthrough that first took her from Mpumalanga to Paris.
Even years after her initial international breakthrough, Seshoka has continued appearing in major runway casts. Models.com records her participation in 2024 shows including Marco Rambaldi, Calcaterra, Onitsuka Tiger and Andersson Bell.
‘South Africa‘s supermodel’
Seshoka’s frustration appears to centre on what she sees as a gap between her international achievements and the recognition she receives in her home country.
“South Africa is the only African country that is bull shitting their one and only beautiful super model that’s representing them internationally just because they want their own favourite people to continue this girl legacy that she has built from the township to Italy and Paris,” she said.
Her story has long been framed around that journey – from posting photographs online in KwaMhlanga to becoming a model working internationally.
When she first broke through, she spoke about wanting to use her platform to show young Africans that seemingly impossible dreams could become reality. She also expressed ambitions beyond modelling, including becoming a businesswoman and potentially developing her own beauty or fashion brand.
‘You guys are abusing me’
The latest comments show that Seshoka believes the issue is no longer simply about winning an award, but about being acknowledged for the scale of her international career.
“Is enough with you guys. Nobody is even gonna stop me and say I am jealous again or say I am stepping on other. It’s been long. You guys are abusing me just because you don’t want to see me shine,” she said.
Her nomination has therefore reignited a familiar conversation around how South African talent that achieves international success is celebrated at home.
For Seshoka, the message is simple: she believes she has already put in the work, represented South Africa on some of the world’s biggest fashion stages and built a career that deserves its flowers.
And as she continues to work internationally, the model appears determined to make sure her achievements are not overlooked.
