The International Modelling & Talent Association (IMTA) is where the world’s top models, talent agents, managers, and casting directors come to find new faces.

Nomahlubi Nondabula (13) attended auditions for an international arts and talent showcase in Johannesburg in September and was awarded a callback for the IMTA in Hollywood in February 2025 and New York in July 2025.

“It felt amazing to be recognized for my talent, I felt like I was telling my inner child that we can do this and we are going to make it,” said Nondabula. “I'm happy that I am finally getting recognised and people can see my talent.”

“I’ve always had a passion for acting since I was eight years old but my parents told me about the dangers of the industry and refused. I wasn’t scared and two years later I tried to ask them again and they finally agreed.”

I actually forgot about acting and then I was inspired by my favourite actors and I decided to go back to what I love the most and attended the auditions in Johannesburg.

The Eunice primary school learner said she is grateful to her parents for the support they’ve been giving her and the words of motivation, “they are extremely happy for me, and whenever it feels like I can’t anymore my mom reminds me that I can do it and assist me in practicing my lines.”

‘My ultimate goal is to be recognized internationally’

“Next year I would love to be in three commercials and I also love to be a best friend in a movie, but my ultimate goal is to be recognised by people internationally so that they can see the talent that I have,” said Nondabula.

Her acting name is Nylah Quillers and she is raising backabuddy money to help her get to Hollywood in February.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg