Absolutely assertive

MASHILE: PRESENTER NOT SCARED TO ASK TOUGH QUESTIONS

Seldom do talk shows cover topics such as the ones on Assertiveness.

If you’re under the impression that regional or community TV is the poorer sister of the national broadcaster or pay TV, you’re mistaken. Last month it was announced heavyweight TV presenter Tim Modise will be joining Soweto TV for a new in-depth current affairs show, the same month GauTV was launched.

New kid on the block GauTV is banking on Nicolette Mashile to bring current affairs to the forefront on one of the channel’s flagship shows, Assertiveness.

“We need this platform. Local content that is relatable and that goes beyond mindless entertainment,” says the presenter.

Mashile, at 27, landed the plum job with Assertiveness, a show that tackles discussions that would often raise flags on conventional TV channels.

“It’s an edgy talk show. I see it more like sitting in my lounge at home and having a discussion or debate about anything and everything. If you look at the topics we have covered so far, it’s usually ones that conventional talk shows wouldn’t really like to cover. These include the likes of generational curses, black tax, the stigma of being fairer skinned, discrimination of Tsonga people, vocal and independent women and the stereotypes of the modern day man,” Mashile says.

Mashile’s also not scared to get her hands dirty.

“I do my own make up and I also dress myself. My crew and I work as a team so if I must change batteries, I do it. If I need to sweep the studio, I do it,” she says.

Mashile has a degree in Communication and Social Studies and a Honnours degree in Integrated Communication – stepping stones that made her fit naturally on Assertiveness.

“I always refer to myself as a natural-born communicator due to my talkative nature.

“I relate to people and am not afraid to strike up a conversation.

“These qualities, combined with my tertiary qualifications, ensured that I have what it takes to have these conversations on this platform,” she says.

Growing up in Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, Mashile is now experiencing how TV can change perceptions.

“When you are from Bushbuckridge, everything seems far and inaccessible. I am proud to say that I have shown some people that it’s not impossible to believe in yourself.

“I also think Assertiveness does bring my people closer to the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg, a place that once seemed far is now closer,” she says.

According to her, fans at home also get excited when she speaks Sepulana on TV.

I relate to people and am not afraid to strike up a conversation

Nicolette Mashile Presenter of the talk show