When work feels like a hobby that pays
Actor and aspiring property developer Reynard Slabbert tells Loni Prinsloo about his dream to become a farmer, before he saw his first cabaret at sweet 16 and decided to try his hand at acting
What did you want to be when growing up? Until I was 16 years old, I wanted to be farmer. I spent most of my holidays on the farm. My dad’s side of the family were all farmers. I soon realised that farming is more than motorbikes, 4x4s and dipping cows. What did your childhood teach you about money? Both my parents were teachers and were open about money matters. I learnt early on that every penny has to be turned over twice. You can’t have everything you want, and I had to save for every indulgence. I was obsessed with saving and enjoyed the idea that I had more money of my own than my peers. By the time I reached high school, I already had a fat savings account.
What was your first job? After I studied I had the opportunity to work in Disney World in Florida, in the US, as a cultural representative for Africa. My parents always took their jobs seriously, so I was very stressed. Once I started working, it was so much fun that it didn’t feel like work. I got great opportunities to study further and received a sommelier qualification. (Wine — another passion of mine.) What life events steered you into the career you have today? I always enjoyed entertaining the kids at school, writing little sketches and trying to make everyone laugh. After I saw a cabaret by Amanda Strydom, at age 16, I decided to try my hand at writing and performing. It was then that my high school principal suggested that I look into studying acting. What do you most enjoy about your career today? Acting doesn’t feel like work. I feel like I’m living my hobby. When I’m on stage or in front of the cameras it feels like I go into a bubble — a moment of heightened awareness, which is very addictive. Do you have any role models in business and life? My father recently passed away. On his deathbed he could honestly say that he had no regrets.
I want to be there one day, too, in life, relationships and my career.
In business, my role model is my uncle, Johan Davel, who had a highly successful brokerage firm and owns numerous industrial and residential properties. I would like to follow suit. If you hit the jackpot today, what would you do with the money? As an actor, a jackpot would be most welcome. I will pay good money to see the best financial adviser to make sound investments and to diversify my financial portfolio, to ensure that I have a sustainable income from it, which will enable me to fully live out my passions. Do you have any money weaknesses or special indulgence? It’s funny — when I earn good money, I tend to be very stingy and save. In the difficult times, I spend a lot easier and don’t keep to my budget. Special indulgence — for years I spent all my money on travelling the world. What has been your best investment? Seeing the world was an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I’m a richer person for it.
It enabled me to fulfil one of my dreams — seeing 30 countries before I am 30. Recently, I also bought my first property, which is an investment that’s already started growing. What advice would you give younger people on choosing what to do in life? Follow your passion and make the mistakes when you are young. But I highly suggest tertiary study. It really enriched me. Name some of your bigger career successes to date. Being a field presenter on Kwêla. Playing a lead in the Afrikaans movie Somer Son, currently showing in cinemas. What are your future career plans? Getting more involved on the production side of the business. Attaining more properties.