Drop-everything read
The actress, producer and awe-inspiring philanthropist talks the women who’ve inspired her.
The women
who inspire Sophie Ndaba WIN! R51 150’s luxury getaway + designer luggage and handbags
I may not know Oprah personally, but I can still admire her from afar. I love how she operates and marvel at the empire she’s built. Oprah is a business force, a film powerhouse and the God of TV. Most of all, she never gave up, even though she had very hard beginnings. I only have to look at her and think, ‘ Wow!’
Joyce Mphasane Sophie’s mother
My parents might not have had much, but my mother taught me the spirit of sharing the little that we did have. Our home was always filled with people, even if they slept on the floor, because she never turned anyone away. It was her inspiration that led me to create the non-profit organisation The Sophie Foundation of Hope. My aim is to educate and inspire people to care not only for their own, but for those who need help and knowledge, particularly about diabetes, which both my parents had and I myself have inherited.
Grace shambare Sophie’s foster mother
When I was 10 years old, I moved from Soweto to Harare, Zimbabwe to attend school. I was there on my own and had been living in children’s homes before Grace and her family took me in. It was thanks to Grace’s teachings and working in her family business that I was able to create my own catering and events company.
Lillian Dube Actress
Lillian played my mother on Generations, and behind the scenes, she was an empowering mentor. She taught me the workings of the film and TV industry, as well as how to survive in it as an inexperienced young actress as I was only 22.
Judith sephuma Singer
I call Judith my twin, not only because we were born on the same day and year, but also because we have a real sisterhood. We’ve been friends for years; I even planned her engagement party and wedding. And as much as I love watching her rise as a star, I also love watching her rise as a mom.
sthandiwe KGOROGE Actress
Sthandiwe and I met on the set of Generations. She was from KZN, and the producer asked me to show her around Joburg – and we’ve been friends ever since. Sthandiwe is a role model; a hard-working supermom who knows how to strike the work-mother balance. She’s always been there for me, and she’s the kind of friend I can call in the midnight hour if I need to.