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Of all the accomplishments you’ve made in your career, is there one that means the most to you?
Bonang Matheba: I can’t choose one over the other, as they all have had their own special meanings to me and had individual impacts on my career. All of my accomplishments are a combination that has led me to enjoy the position I hold in my career. They’ve all catapulted me to heights that I had not yet placed on my vision board, and have contributed to wake up each day and realize my dreams.
You have graced the cover of several beauty & fashion magazines, is there one you still wish to get?
BM: I’d love the honor to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine, that’s my ultimate dream. I wish we had a Vogue Africa, where it would narrow the possibilities down to reachable numbers (laughs), but in all honesty my approach to (magazine) covers is really about what message I have at the time. I went through two years of doing only 3 covers, as I felt I didn’t have much to add to any publication and I don’t want to do covers based on posting it on my wall of covers, but on adding value to the publication and importantly its reader that takes time out to support me.
What is your definition of beauty?
BM: Beauty is more than just physical appearance; it is about confidence and being comfortable in your own skin. Walking around with your open heart as the character of your beauty, that’s what makes you beautiful in my eyes.
What obstacles have you encountered throughout your journey?
BM: Transitioning from being a child television star and having to face rejection because I had not fully adapted to being an adult TV presenter was an obstacle that I turned into a positive as I used the feedback to better myself. I auditioned 9 times just to be a presenter on one show, the show that set me on the path that I am on now. I realised that it was more about having to overcome myself mentally – as it was not about me not being good, but the transition. I appreciate that experience as it humbled me and taught me to be patient and if the dream burns in your heart, to never give up on it.
Of all your business ventures, is there one that represents you the most?
BM: I am all about beautiful things and anyone who knows me in the business world knows that I don’t just sign on the dotted line because of money, it has to make sense to who I am so that I am able to sell it to the best of my ability. I’d say all my ventures are a representation of me.
Being South African, and with the incredible strides you’ve made, do you feel pressure to succeed?
BM: Everyday! More from myself than from anyone else and that pressure serves as the fuel that drives me.
What would you most want people to know about you?
BM: I’d like people to know that I am not all about work or obsessed with success. I’m just like the next woman, I too love, hurt, cry and make mistakes. Outwardly I might appear to be Superwoman, but I am an everyday girl and I am a girl’s- girl. Nothing gives me more joy than spending time with my inner circle of girlfriends, who have taught me the importance of finding “me-time” every single day.
What motivates you from day to day?
BM: The knowledge that I get to wake up and do my radio show, The Front Row, and television talk show, Afternoon Express. Knowing that just the voice or face of this girl from the dusty streets of Mafikeng touches someone, somehow makes my day that much more exciting. It excites me that everyday I wake up knowing that today I have a purpose!
Being South African, and with the incredible strides you’ve made, do you feel pressure to succeed?
BM: Everyday! More from myself than from anyone else and that pressure serves as the fuel that drives me.
What advice would you give to young girls trying to find their place and voice in the world?
BM: To never stop dreaming beyond your circumstances, and importantly always remember your source of motivation by never forgetting who you are and where you come from. We live in a world and an industry that can sweep you so far off the daily realities that it’s very easy to forget what your foundation of being is.
What has been the best advice given to you?
BM: To never to see anyone else as a limitation to my success beyond the person that looks back at me in the mirror.
What’s next for Bonang Matheba?
BM: There’s lots in terms of expanding my brand beyond the African continent. My recent trip to Los Angeles and New York was a very fruitful one – which also taught me that just because I am at a point of global expansion, doesn’t mean that I have to ditch what I have back home. But my global is lined with stars and moons that shine brightly!
Photo by Andrew Zaeh Make-Up by Lucky Smyler
Hair by Giselle Modeste Styling by Kollin Carter
