Kate Tachie-Menson: The MNet Face of Africa makes strides in South Africa

It all seemed too unreal for Kate Tachie-Menson, who won The MNet Face of Africa competition at a star studded, live fashion extravaganza, aired by MNet to 50 countries in Africa at Sun City in November 2008. She didn't make it through to the finals 2 years previously having not met the strict measurement requirements set by the organizers of the competition, so one would have thought the best she could do this time was make it to the top 10. However, as tasks such as Swahili Fashion Week and an editorial shoot for Cosmopolitan magazine took place, it became obvious to the judges that Kate was not there to take part, but to win, and so she did.

For Oluchi, Director of O Model Africa, and Megan Kruger of The Shine Group, the decision to select Kate as the Face of Africa was based not only on her beautiful look and nature, but her quiet professionalism, her enthusiasm for all the things she had learnt and her obvious ability to bounce back from being turned down the first time.

Megan Kruger says: "On the judging panel, it was clear to us all that Kate was perfectly suited to be the next Face of Africa. She had a quiet determination to succeed that we found irresistible. We were impressed by the resolve she showed by getting into such great shape, in order to win”.

Oluchi says: “She's the complete package, a fashion designers dream, a girl that magazine editors will embrace and that catwalks are made for. We believe she has what it takes to become a supermodel". O Model Africa, owned jointly by New York based supermodel Oluchi, Jan Malan of Umzingeli Productions and The Shine Group, co - sponsored this year's Face of Africa competition. O Model Africa awarded Kate a 3 year model contract valued at R 360 000.00 as well as prizes of air travel, test pictures and accommodation valued at R 87 000.00.

Since winning the competition in November, Kate, originally from Ghana, has traveled across Africa to star in shows and attend press conferences. She was flown to the ultimate fashion capital of the World, New York, for fashion week as well as to India for New Delhi fashion week, experiences which are invaluable to any young model's career.

As the Face of Africa, Kate says of her title, “having the face that represents the African continent is absolutely the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am very grateful. I know there are many other young, talented teenagers, and even adults, from all over Africa who get inspiration from me, so I am eager to do interesting things and set a good example to them. Being an icon means people are interested in me. They want to see what happens to me next, what I will do with my future, what attitude and behavior I carry with me. There is a large amount of opportunity for an icon and for me right now - being in the public eye elevates opportunity. It depends on how well you adapt to the opportunities that secures ongoing success and ultimate happiness.”

Kate is fast becoming the African style icon, having shot editorials for Elle, Glamour and Cosmopolitan. Journalists have asked for her opinion on beauty products and fashion items, and there are many articles written about Kate on her success as The Face of Africa.