Eswatini Pageant has issued a strong warning to aspiring models and pageant hopefuls following allegations that a fake casting agency exploited and humiliated young women, including girls from the Kingdom.
The warning comes amid growing public concern after a 20-year-old South African woman accused an alleged agency of misleading her under false pretences and subjecting her to public humiliation, despite her claim that she never signed any contract.
Eswatini Pageant Director Tony Dlamini confirmed that, based on information available to his office, the agency in question was not legitimate. He said the matter was worrying because young girls from Eswatini were reportedly involved.
Dlamini stressed that Eswatini has clear laws and systems meant to protect young girls entering the modelling and pageantry industries. He explained that any girl wishing to join a casting or modelling agency is required to go through recognised offices so that the legitimacy of such agencies can be verified.
He noted that this was not the first time young models had been placed in danger after bypassing established procedures. Dlamini recalled previous cases where models travelled internationally without the knowledge or approval of the relevant authorities, resulting in serious harm. In one incident, a young model was allegedly sexually violated during an international pageant trip.
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In another case, five local models reportedly travelled without proper supervision and later found themselves stranded, resorting to desperate measures to return home.
“These incidents show why regulations exist and why they must be followed at all times. These girls opted for prostitution for them to get home,” Dlamini said, adding that police are involved in all official pageant travel and recognised modelling engagements to ensure the safety of participants.
The allegations have sparked widespread discussion on social media, particularly after the alleged agency reportedly shared images of interviewees online. Social media users later identified some of the individuals as Emaswati, prompting mixed reactions.
While many users expressed concern over the exploitation of young girls, others pointed to financial hardships and limited opportunities that make young people vulnerable to manipulation.
In response, Eswatini Pageant has appealed to the public to help reach girls who may have been affected but are afraid to come forward. Dlamini said his office was ready to provide legal assistance and counselling through recognised structures and in collaboration with authorities.
He urged parents, guardians and community members to play an active role in protecting young girls and encouraging victims to seek help.
Adding a professional perspective, clinical psychologist Ndo Mdlalose warned that exploitation by fake casting agencies could have long-term psychological consequences.
She said victims may suffer from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, panic attacks and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts, especially when videos or images circulate online.
Mdlalose highlighted that many victims struggle to speak out due to fear of judgement, stigma and cyberbullying. She emphasised the importance of counselling, particularly post-trauma debriefing and group therapy, to help victims heal and realise they are not alone.
She also appealed to the public to avoid blaming or shaming victims, noting that many are lured and manipulated under difficult socio-economic circumstances.
Together, the appeals from Eswatini Pageant and mental health professionals underline the urgent need for vigilance, compassion and stronger community support to protect young girls pursuing dreams in the entertainment and modelling industries.
