Selimathunzi

Season 30 SABC1 (*191) 19:30 Lifestyle

When he isn’t interviewing celebs on the red carpet for lifestyle variety show Selimathunzi (1996-current), presenter Lunga Shabalala is walking the catwalk. The model-turned-TV personality won Selimathunzi’s presenter search contest in 2011 and “the past six years have been quite a ride,” laughs the 28-yearold. “I’ve done a lot of travelling, meeting amazing people and self-reflection. I didn’t expect the great opportunities that this show would create!”

Selimathunzi is an SABC1 institution – were you nervous hosting it? I was a bit! I was taking over from Mncedisi Kaos Matu, who’d been presenting the show for 11 years, so those were some pretty big shoes to fill. But my co-host at the time Zizo Beda helped me tremendously. You’ve interviewed so many celebs that it must be impossible to have a favourite? It’s an impossible task to put them in an order, but the one that stands out was legendary musician Hugh Masekela. He always keeps me on my toes and he respects his craft, which is an aspect that I highly value. What has hosting Selimathunzi taught you? You have to respect your brand. Not only as a celebrity in the spotlight, but as a normal person, you have to always put your best foot forward and that means no drinking on the job. [Laughs] Do you have any hidden talents? I’m not sure I’d call it a talent, but I read a lot. I’ve got though a pile of books this year and want to squeeze in a few more still. And what keeps you busy when you’re not doing your Selimathunzi job? Besides golf, I hang out with my friends in the “real” world. It’s always great getting away from celebville to touch base with people working nine-to-five jobs.