Poster child of relevance
Makhubela hits home stretch in search for perfect presenter
For Thabiso Makhubela, the Presenter Search on 3 has been a journey of self-discovery.
He has made a career for himself as a brand specialist, but has always kept his eye on other fields. Makhubela, from Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, dabbled in radio when he worked on YFM some years ago and has now emerged as one of the hot favourites to be picked winner of the Presenter Search on 3 and begin a career as a Top Billing presenter.
The contest attracted thousands of hopefuls who filled Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg and Newlands Rugby Stadium in Cape Town and faced judges such as Jeannie D, DJ Fresh, Pabi Moloi and Patience Stevens.
Now whittled down to the last six, it’s down to the wire.
“The competition is made up of people who are all so talented. You have to learn to showcase more of the other qualities you have to bring to the screen. Talent is one thing, but what else viewers might be drawn to about you becomes important,” he says.
“I certainly didn’t come into the search with this is mind, some qualities about myself I discovered in the competition. It’s a beautiful process of self-discovery.”
And, as they hit the home stretch towards the big prize, Makhubela is motivated to showcase the best of himself.
“Viewers are looking for someone dynamic, authentic and relatable and I’m definitely that person. There are so many stories and experiences of my life that highlight me as the perfect candidate for a channel like SABC3.”
Makhubela also sees himself as the poster child of reinvention and relevance.
“My whole thing is living out all your passions because we have one life … so many people get themselves stuck in their professions, scared to explore their other talents. I have taken a chance by spreading myself into a new space altogether while keeping my career as a brand specialist.
“This competition has been a great eye-opener for me. It has taught me so much about myself. Through it, I have learnt to be vulnerable, open to critique – not just from the judges, but from the general public as well. You really do open yourself up to people and, while it’s easy to try to control how much you give of yourself, the authentic nature of the competition requires that you let go and be in the moment all the time.”
The winner will be announced on August 2.