She is the vibrant bubbly personality that greets South Africa every morning at the switching on of the television screens, and the one captivating 5FM listeners with her youthful voice – for Zanele Potelwa this is the lifestyle that dreams are made of.
In a matter of months, the talented radio presenter has gone from solely being a radio presenter to now being a familiar face on SABC’s breakfast show, Expresso and will soon be jetted off as the brand-new host of Tropika Island of Treasure.
In conversation with BONA about her journey to this point she said:
“It’s been absolutely crazy! It’s unbelievable to think that I’m living out my dreams in so many different spaces, on so many different platforms.”
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Despite becoming a popular figure in the entertainment industry, she shared that this was nearly not her reality.
“The dream was always to be a doctor because I wanted to help people, but when I got to varsity, I got to understand that there are so many different ways to help people.”
It was then that she got involved in campus radio and the bug for presenting bit her. Soon this became an avenue that unlocked so many opportunities throughout her adulthood.
“It genuinely is my dream come true but on an even bigger scale. I feel like I’m living in my purpose and I hope to make more and more of a difference as I make my way to being a household name in this beautiful country that I love.”
Tropika Adventures
After joining the Expresso family, it was announced that Zanele was yet to appear on another popular show – Tropika Island of Treasure season 11, where she will be making her appearance as the brand-new host.
She explained that, she was initially approached to audition for the host of the All Star two years ago, however, it appeared that it was not meant to be since she ended up not getting the job.
Fast forward to two years later and she finally got her breakthrough.
Touching on what the moment was like when she received the news she said:
“I got the phone call while I was driving home from radio. I literally screamed after the phone call and I called my mom and my best friend.”
The Mthatha born presenter feels that this was the life God has been preparing her for. Throughout her high schooling she has always been involved in public speaking and travels to multiple countries as a world debater and now all the dots have finally aligned and she now realised why she was never meant to be a doctor.
“I cannot wait to let the game show us its’ magic and for all our personalities to come together to make great entertainment for South Africa.”
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The Future
When it comes to future ambitions her goals are to one day host big award ceremonies and devote more time to helping women with the Zanele Potelwa Foundation.
As for the near future – she will also been launching her very own clothing line called Zanele Potwelwa which will take place in May.
Also see: Zanele Potelwa joins Expresso
