The Sunday News
BULAWAYO model and former Miss Tourism Zimbabwe’s Miss Personality 2011, Lungile Mathe, affectionately known in the modelling industry as Cyclone Ree has returned from a two-year stint in China.
Ree, whose controversial personality led to her fall-out and ultimate sacking by Zimbabwe Tourism Authority boss Karikoga Kaseke and later reinstated by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi, has been in China for the past two years pursuing her dream to become an international model.
Although this almost dented her career in modelling, no one doubts the fact that she possesses a sultry and sensuous beauty and that her body is naturally that of a model and needs little work to be kept intact.
Visiting the Sunday News offices a few days after her return, she spoke to the publication’s senior leisure reporter — Peter Matika (PM) — about her stay in China and her plans for the future. Interestingly, she said she wasn’t much of a changed person and warned that anything, even more controversy, could be expected from her.
PM: Well, this is indeed a surprise. When did you return and what do we owe the visit?
Ree: (Giggles) I arrived last Sunday. I thought I would pay my friends at the Sunday News a courtesy call to let them know that I am back.
PM: Courteous indeed. Let’s talk about your stay in China, what did you learn and what did you achieve?
Ree: As you know modelling is my life and passion. I was doing what I do best. While I was in China I was affiliated to a top modelling agency there that got me several gigs, which enabled me to build a huge contact base. Through these contacts I have managed to develop various business ideas and also develop myself as a model.
PM: So you are not just about looks but you are also intelligent. When you say develop yourself as a model, what exactly do you mean and how have you developed?
Ree: Being a model is one of the hardest but interesting careers anyone can venture into. Modelling in developed countries is viewed and considered to be a well-paying industry. Unlike other countries you can actually achieve a lot through modelling. I have managed to develop myself into a first-class model, who knows how to manage myself and at the same time make ends meet through this talent I have. Presently I am more into commercial modelling than runway pageantry.
PM: Would you care to enlighten me about commercial modelling.
Ree: Commercial modelling is just like modelling only that in this type of modelling you are more of an ambassador for companies or projects. You are the face of the company as you advertise the products. It is better paying than runway modelling. Not that I have left that entirely but I am a little more focused on making money.
PM: Okay, so apart from modelling what are your plans, seeing that you are more of an enterprising young lady.
Ree: Well I have a lot planned obviously, I won’t be a model for the rest of my life so I want to start a business of my own. I am either going to open a boutique or salon.
PM: Do you have the start-up capital?
Ree: I have been saving up a lot and I hope that what I have is enough to start my own business. Either way I am starting a business and I am going to be a thriving business woman.
PM: You really are determined to do this aren’t you?
Ree: Yes I am. I don’t want to wind up like my other sisters in this industry, who wilt away without achieving anything.
PM: Okay, what have you managed to acquire since you left the country?
Ree: I bought myself a little car, it’s a Mazda Demio. It’s nothing much to write home about but I bought it myself and I can take myself from point A to B with no hassle.
PM: That’s great. I can’t help but ask . . . when you were here before leaving for China you were quite the character. You were pretty enigmatic and controversial; you made the news every week. Should we brace ourselves again for a wild Cyclone Ree?
Ree: (Giggles again) I was quite young then and to be honest I really can’t promise much. I am who I am, expect anything from me. The world is pretty strange and boring without controversy, so what better way of living it than make it interesting. After all you only live once.
PM: You are something else. Anyway welcome back and wish you the best in your endevours. And we really can’t wait to see Cyclone blow off!
Venturing into the pageantry was no mistake for Ree and she is one of the few local models that have managed to have breakthrough on the international scene.
Regarded as an impervious person, Ree began her career as a near-novelty — a pre-teen engulfed in controversy, which almost led to her demise.
However, through years of maturation and self-deliberation, she developed into a reputable, professional model with a substantial resume, one so cunning that it makes her claim of one day being the best model to emerge from Zimbabwe worth considering.
