Dineo Ranaka gained her fan base when she hosted Dineo Live on Drive on Yfm, and later co-hosted Club 808 with Mo Flava on e.TV. Her career has blossomed, and she now wears many hats such as a mind coach, actress, TV producer, radio and reality show personality as well as a businesswoman.
By: Fundiswa Nkwanyana
1. Contrary to popular belief, I am a chilled person. Many people think that I am loud and crazy, but I am the complete opposite. I am a loving mother and a career-driven woman who lives with negative and positive traits. I am just who I am, and trying to live my life the best way I know how.
2. Mental health and emotional wellness holds a special place in my heart. I am busy with my passion project where I conduct wellness and rehabilitation programmes. The objective is to promote a balanced and holistic lifestyle. Children also form part of my programmes as I conduct junior life orientation master classes with grade 7 learners. We often underestimate the power of the mind.
3. Doors in the entertainment industry keep opening for me. I thought I was done with the radio industry until Touch Central gave me an offer that changed my mind. Even with acting, I was approached to play Kedibone in e.TV drama series Hustle – I grabbed the opportunity because I did not want to limit myself. I get excited when I see my hard work paying off and leaders in the industry recognising it.
4. My reality show Dineo’s Diary was a success, and helped in launching a new one called The Ranakas. South Africans love reality shows, and I am glad that I took the plunge and went ahead with Dineo’s Diary despite the setbacks and challenges. The new show premiers in January with my family – it is funny, dramatic and will remind viewers of the importance of family.
5. The public’s constant scrutiny of my life has taught me important lessons. Hurtful words from people I didn’t even know used to cut me deep. But over the years, I have learnt to have a thick skin, and focus on my family and career. Being in the public eye has also played a huge role in my career growth. I have learnt to fully embrace the pros and cons of being in the entertainment industry.
6. Words cannot describe the joys of motherhood. Being a mother feels like a spiritual outer body experience that uplifts my heart and soul in ways I cannot explain. I look into my children’s eyes and see endless love that I cannot live without. I love being a mother; it’s a calling that I respect a lot.
7. The year 2016 has been kind to me. I didn’t fight as many battles as I fought in the past. Opportunities presented themselves, and I did not work hard to sell my ideas. I have a feeling that 2017 is going to be an even better year. I am excited about what the future holds.
*Catch Dineo on Hustle on OpenView HD every Monday at 9.30pm on eKasi+ channel 104, and The Ranakas on Thursday 12 January at 8pm on Mzansi Magic DStv channel 161.
