After 17 years of being in the modelling industry, Khaya Pardon finally received an international recognition as he continues to inspire and change lives.

Pardon Khaya-elihle Khanye, known to many as Khaya Pardon, is a name that cannot be overlooked in Africa’s modelling sector.

This year has been a significant one for Khanye, as he received his first international recognition for his contributions to the modelling world. He was awarded the title of Outstanding Pageant Director of Miss Teen of The Universe Pageants worldwide. The recognition ceremony was recently held in India, miles away from his hometown, underscoring the biblical saying, “a prophet has no honour in his own country.”

Khanye entered the modelling industry as a teenager in 2007, and he is now giving back to the community by playing significant roles locally, regionally, and internationally, while proudly representing his country.

He also founded one of Zimbabwe’s leading multi-award-winning international modelling agencies, ‘Truth Models.’ The agency became home to many queens and kings, not only from its foundation city of Bulawayo but from around the globe. Khanye is also the founder and curator of the Bulawayo Models Awards, Bulawayo Fashion Week, and the veteran president of the Bulawayo Models Association.

In an exclusive interview with My Afrika Magazine, Khanye expressed the challenges he faced in building such a successful career and looking towards the future, he said that he is stepping away from choreography.

“I think it is time for me to focus on directing and event coordinating. I have done my part as a choreographer and done it well. As dancers say, a good dancer knows when to leave the stage. Now, I will focus more on the pageants I direct, particularly the Teen Pageants Zimbabwe, and also on awards. Pageant choreography is no longer my thing. I am way too old for that small stress; the world has given me my flowers, so what more should I want?” said Khanye.

To many, he is a voice for the voiceless, especially in the modelling and fashion sectors of Bulawayo and the Matabeleland region.