that it is essential that I take responsibility for my life, or else I should be prepared to face the music.” Carter also had to come to terms with the fact that no matter how talented you are, if you don’t have the right people next to you representing you, it’s possible to miss out on opportunities in a very political industry. “Not only do you have to be great at what you do, but you have to make sure that the business and politics of it all are taken care of,” he says. So, what happened with that early career in table tennis? “Very few people know that when in primary school, I won sportsman of the year because of my table tennis prowess. We would travel the country playing at various national competitions. It seems hilarious now because I’m not into sports at all,” he quips. Carter graduated from UJ with a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism and Strategic Communications) in 2024.
Carter’s grandmother, Welekazi Sakwe (85), was another source of inspiration. “She is the woman who raised me. I love everything about how she lived her life. She is the personification of strength, tenacity, courage and determination. Those are the characteristics she imparted to me, and every day, I strive to walk in my truth the way she did. She’s my hero.” Throughout the years he completed his degree at UJ, he learned life lessons that have proven helpful in international modelling. Juggling student life and a modelling career was challenging. Carter had to carefully balance the two, which taught him to increase his capacity and stretch himself. Today, that bears testament to his work ethic, he says. “I made many mistakes that taught me valuable life lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The most important was the realisation that my actions have consequences and
Aphile Carter on the runway
Quick questions What motivates you? I’m always motivated to become the best version of myself and be better than I was yesterday. I believe that God has a particular purpose for me, which is why I was placed on this earth. How do you view the future? I don’t plan the future; I live in the present. I realised that my dreams are minuscule in comparison to God’s plan. Whenever I make plans, God surprises me with something bigger and better. I depend on Him for planning my future and reaching my destiny. What is your message to the youngsters in your community? Be consistent with everything they do. Put in the work, go out there, knock on doors, be different and grab opportunities that come your way.
What is the best part of modelling? Travelling! Whenever I’m on the road or on a plane, it feels like something positive is about to happen or change in my life. I’ve seen so many beautiful places and worked with some incredible designers. The behind- the-scenes of fashion is fascinating. What is the most challenging part? The fashion industry judges based on looks, requiring one’s best appearance at all times. This can be difficult as all humans have moments of weakness. Not booking a job due to your looks or client preference can affect self-esteem.
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