Skapadiya (n): An informal term used in South African Townships to describe a stylish individual with impeccable fashion taste, A.K.A Benson.

“My style is raw and authentic”. Benson is a 21 year old model with a passion for fashion. He lives in Soweto, Diepkloof with his mother and two sisters. This big dreamer spends a lot of his time going through magazines and thrifting in the Johannesburg CBD.

Five years ago, he moved to the city, following an altercation with his family. “I almost gave up”, he says. Living in the city exposed him to a lot of rough experiences.

One day, he wants to study videography. We asked him why and he said this: “I saw myself there”. He was walking through town and saw a crew filming and found it interesting.

Benson says his love for fashion changed his life for the better. “Fashion gave me direction!” he tells us. He hopes that through his work, he can show other people that, “It doesn’t matter where you come from; your story doesn’t determine where you are going.” 

 

Written by: Motshewa Khainyane