THE READERS’ CHOICE

Bonnie Mbuli

Acclaimed actress, model, memoir writer and TV and radio presenter Bonnie Mbuli has done a lot – and all from the age of 13. That’s when an agent approached her outside her school in Belgravia, Joburg, and suggested she go for a screen test.

That very year, Bonnie made her first TV appearance on the series Viva Families and, a year after that, was cast in the movie Born Free.

Since then, with only a three-year gap in which she studied public relations, Bonnie has been devoted to her vocation. Her notable performances have included the SA TV drama Traffic! and the powerful movie Catch a Fire starring Tim Robbins.

“In 2006, after appearing in two international movies, I decided to pursue opportunities in LA,” Bonnie says. “I learnt a lot about the industry and the kind of work ethic it takes to build a lasting career. But it was also extremely cut-throat and the timing just wasn’t right for me, so eight months later, I returned home.”

Now back in South Africa, she has not only raised two sons and performed regularly, but also written Eyebags & Dimples (Jacana Media, R200), a memoir that deals with depression.

In the past year , Bonnie has joined Heart 104.9 FM and become one of three stellar presenters on SABC 3’s talk show Afternoon Express.

“I’ve also started working on my first novel,” she says.