Our features editor, Phila Tyekana, caught up with the talented and stunning Terry Pheto.
Joining Generations
This isn’t true; I don’t know how the rumour started but joining the soapie isn’t part of my immediate plans. It’s a false alarm people (laughs)!
Maturity
The world is definitely a better place when you’re older and I must admit, growing older has been great to me. At age 32, I’m able to understand, listen more and be a better me which definitely comes with the years.
Lessons Learnt
As an actress, you never know when your next job will be, so it’s easy to take on gigs for financial security. I’ve always tried to take on work that is meaningful and work that I’d be proud of in the future; that’s the one lesson I came into this industry with and the one that I try my best to uphold.
Nelson Mandela
I first played Madiba’s daughter, Zinzi, in the movie Goodbye Bafana in 2007 and in December this year, Long Walk to Freedom comes out. The movie stars, British actor, Idris Alba as Tata and I play his first wife, Evelyn. I don’t know whether this is a coincidence that I seem to be involved in storylines involving Madiba. I’m honored to have portrayed Zinzi whom at times isn’t given a voice in the struggle when she too played a freedom fighter in the story of Apartheid.
Role Models
In terms of work, I admire Kate Winslet and Penélope Cruz. Both these women are from countries outside America (Kate from England and Penélope from Spain). They have maintained their culture and are true representations of their countries without trying to be American. Africa has no representative in terms of a global, leading actress in Hollywood and my main goal is to fill that space. Being a woman is… a journey of self-discovery where at times we underestimate our power.
Weight Loss
I’ve lost 10 kilograms since last year. I decided to lose the weight not because of outside influences but for myself. I wanted to look and feel good about myself and, most importantly, be healthy. I made a decision to eat more healthy food and cut down on dairy and sugar and now I’m happy with the results. The compliments from other people are great too.
Women in Media
The entertainment industry is big enough to fit everyone in it as we all have different roles to play. I never get why there are always comparisons when it comes to us female celebrities; it’s completely unnecessary.
