Eulanda “Yolanda” Monyai is on a mission to make a difference in her hometown of Venda. At 33, this media personality and reality TV star from Limpopo is determined to help young people broaden their horizons and believe in possibilities beyond their village. Through an upcoming fashion show, she hopes to provide an inspiring platform for aspiring models and designers.
Yolanda recently took to social media to announce a fashion show and modelling competition set for 19 July next year. This exciting event aims to give young talent in Venda a real taste of the fashion industry. Registration for designers kicks off on 6 December, followed by model auditions on 7 December, both hosted at the Khoroni Hotel in Venda.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Yolanda shared her vision for the project. “I’m doing a fashion show back home in Venda. We’re focusing on designers and models, and the winners will be chosen by how well they walk, not like a beauty pageant,” she explained. “We’ll choose 10 models and 10 designers who’ll also get an opportunity to do another fashion show in Joburg with professional models to experience the real industry.”
But for Yolanda, this is much more than a fashion event. It’s a lifelong dream rooted in a promise she made to herself—to one day give back to her community. “I want them to know that life doesn’t end in Venda,” she said. “Young people in the village believe once they finish school, their only option is to marry someone rich. I want to show them that there’s so much more outside the village waiting for them, bigger dreams, bigger opportunities. If they put their heart and mind to something, anything is possible.”
Determined to change the mindset of Venda’s youth, Yolanda hopes her initiative will inspire them to dream big and break through societal limitations. “There’s so much talent back home,” she told Daily Sun. “When artists like Makhadzi and King Monada made their breakthrough, it was a revelation to everyone. There’s talent in Venda, but what’s lacking are platforms and channels to help these young artists shine. That’s why I’m stepping in. I want to be that channel.”
