Positive attitude makes her a woman of purpose

An actress, scriptwriter, motivational speaker and radio personality, Takalani Tshinesa, believes that young boys and girls should be given room to grow in ideas and life’s knowledge in order to function properly in today’s society.

A resident of Mpheni and Magau villages, Takalani is a proud mother of four, three girls and a boy, and she says that she is passionate about young children’s welfare in all areas of their lives.

“Teenage pregnancy is a problem in our country,” she says. “Some parents are getting used to the issue of having young daughters who go on to have babies when they reach Grades 10, 11 and 12. Yes, I know a girl at that age group can be a mother, but unfortunately I disagree with that idea.”

She is one woman who dedicates more of her time to mentor young girls and boys in the arts and other life-skills projects. She is part of Woman of Honour, a virginity project that promotes sober lifestyles among young girls and women.

She believes that, at times, talent amounts to nothing if it is not backed by the necessary education. According to Takalani, children should place education as a first priority. “Whether you think you are a good actor, dancer or singer (does not matter), you need education. I always tell the girls I mentor that they only have two percent talent. At least 98% goes to their degrees and hard work.”

She adds that she loves radio and acting. “After completing a diploma in journalism in 2009, I came back to Louis Trichardt for a newsreading job at Makhado FM,” she says. 

She recently appeared in Muvhango as Awelani Nedzamba. Before Muvhango, she acted in a play entitled Too Late, written and directed by Mashupe Phala. “So, all I can say to the youth is: 'Go to school, and follow your dreams!'”.

News - Date: 25 September 2017

Tshifhiwa Mukwevho

Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho was born in 1984 in Madombidzha village, not far from Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo Province. After submitting articles for roughly a year for Limpopo Mirror's youth supplement, Makoya, he started writing for the main newspaper. He is a prolific writer who published his first book, titled A Traumatic Revenge in 2011. It focusses on life on the street and how to survive amidst poverty. His second book titled The Violent Gestures of Life was published in 2014.

Email: [email protected]