SHE is the new find on the fashion block. Palesa Ramathe has been on the modelling circuit for less than six months but is already a hot property.

Ramathe will be among the models walking at the prestigious SA Fashion Week from tomorrow until Sunday at Shine Studios in Braamfontein.

She will step out for heavyweight designers, including Rubicon, Loxion Kulca by Olé Ledimo and Mancho.

"I am excited about walking at the SA Fashion Week. It is a big milestone for me as a new model after walking for David Tlale. I hope it is the beginning of a great career. This is a dream come true. I never thought my modelling career would pick up so fast," the 1,8m tall model from Soweto said.

Ramathe said she was inspired by Lerato Moloi to get into modelling.

"I had an opportunity to meet her and work with her during the David Tlale bridge show. It was exciting to share a stage with my icon."

Ramathe, who is also gunning for the Face of Africa title, said her vision was to eventually work overseas after walking for each and every designer in South Africa.

Hangwani Nengovhela of Rubicon said she was drawn to Ramathe by her unique looks.

"She is an African beauty. The first time I saw her I knew I wanted her to walk for me. My collection will appeal more to darker-hued ladies, so she fitted in well with my vision."

The 17-year-old first walked for Tlale's bridge show only three months after she was scouted on the street by fashion designer Lesego Peega.

"When she was brought to us she was big and a rough diamond. We were impressed by her height and looks but we turned her away because we felt she was very big. We told her to come to us after three months when she had lost weight. We had to train her, teach her to walk and talk for a full two months," Kgomotso Seboko of KS Models said.

Seboko said he saw Ramathe as one of the new generation of models.

Her pictures have since been used in magazines and newspapers. The biggest is a Real Magazine fashion spread where she appears on six pages.

"I have always wanted to be the first dark face of the media in South Africa. I want to be the first one to be called when they are looking for dark models."