Lwandle Maluva Ngwenya won Best Female Model at the South African Fashion Awards (SAFAs) on 3 October 2026, marking a milestone in a modelling career spanning a decade.
Also see: SAFA Best Emerging Fashion Designer nominee Thakazelwa Mhlomi pays homage to women who raised her
To celebrate her win, Lwandle spoke to BONA about the woman behind the achievement, the work that shaped her journey and a career path she says chose her, while also opening up about her other ventures, including a jewellery line that incorporates Braille into its designs.
Becoming award-winning.
The KwaZulu-Natal-born model grew up in an environment that shaped and strengthened her. After losing her mother, sisterhood became the backbone of what raised her.
“Growing up in a challenging environment taught my sisters and me resilience, independence, and, most importantly, the value of having one another.”
It was through this sisterhood she was introduced to modelling. She won the Miss Ethekwini pageant along with her sisters. “We are known as the Ngwenya sisters,” she notes.
The model shares that after that win, she decided to be intentional about her modelling path, where she went on to win around eight pageants, including Miss Durban and Miss Bachelorette.
Lwandle Ngwenya: More than a model
Although Lwandle has had a thriving career as a model, she introduces herself as: ” I am a two-time graduate in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing, a trained sprinter who competed under the UCT Athletics Club, and a professional model.”
As the founder of Maluva Designs, she shared that her designs incorporate Braille coding. When asked what the inspiration was behind this decision of inclusivity, she shared an aspirational answer:
“We don’t often see people who are visually impaired represented in everyday spaces in the way we should. We don’t necessarily see them in our malls, in our streets or in our parks, and many of us can go through our lives without ever having a close friendship or relationship with someone visually impaired.”
She continued:
“That is where the idea for my jewellery brand came in: creating jewellery that incorporates Braille coding. I wanted the jewellery to become more than something beautiful you wear. I wanted it to become a tool for connection.”
Ultimately, Maluva Designs was born.
Also see: 2026 South African Fashion Awards: Fuaad Abdool wins Best Fashion Photographer
Jewellery as a symbol of identity
The multifaceted creative explains that, to her, jewellery represents more than just an expression of personal style or something that carries sentimental value.
“I believe jewellery can also carry a much deeper social meaning. It can become a symbol of identity, inclusion and visibility,” she expresses.
This also ties into the significance of Braille coding.
“That is why I wanted my jewellery to do more than simply look beautiful. By incorporating Braille coding, I want the pieces to communicate something that people who have historically been overlooked deserve to be considered, included, and represented.”
Beyond an accessory, to Lwandle, jewellery turns into a form of self-expression and conversation.
Lwandle Ngwenya the athlete
The award-winning model wears many hats, thriving in the paths she pursues. She explained that she has always loved running and believed it would be her career path, before she fell into modelling.
She returned to competitive athletics this year.
“I have already competed this year and achieved two gold medals, along with multiple silver medals. I am proud of those results,” she said.
Also see: South African Fashion Awards honour Mzansi’s top style icons
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