Thando ’ s quick rise to fame
THANDO Thabethe will tonight host her third episode of e.tv ’ s Club 808. While this platform acquaints her with a broader audience, she is busy doing lots of other things too. The 22-year-old acts in SABC1’s My Perfect Family and has presented, first at UJFM and now at YFM. She tells us about her life so far. Question: Acting, radio and now Club 808? Why do it all?
Answer: I’ve always wanted to try everything. Radio was not part of the plan, but it just happened. What did you study at university?
Accounting. You did radio first. How did it come about?
I was studying at the University of Johannesburg and heard about UJFM so I auditioned. They gave me a position as a newsreader. I had my heart set on presenting, but I took the challenge. When the management changed, I spoke to them about presenting. They agreed. Then I got a Facebook message from a YFM programme manager. That ’ s how it all began. You then did acting and now you’re on Club 808. How has it been and has your life changed in any way?
People pay more attention. Are you treated differently?
It’s weird. People who would not look at me twice are now like “hey ”. But that doesn’t bother me. I’m not going to be mean now that they think I matter.
I just think they have issues with themselves. People do that because they want affirmation that they matter by having someone they think is relevant greeting them back. Are you feeling pressure in terms of what you wear in public?
Definitely, but luckily I have a stylist. Bonang Matheba has done well. Do you think she has raised the bar for young women media personalities?
Yes, she’s awesome. Being the competitive person I am, when someone goes that big I go “yes ” because then I have something to work towards. Is there anyone else you looked up to?
As a child, I wanted to be on YoTV. I used to write letters to them about being on the show.
Then there was the Quest For Fame competition. I auditioned. There were thousands of people and I made it to the top four, but they were only looking for two.
So, I almost got there, but hey, almost doesn’t count. –