SOCIAL DIARIES

By: Aviwe Ndyaluvane

A BREATHE OF FRESH AIR...

In an exclusive interview in this week's blog, we hook up with Mtata's Finest, Wandise Samela, an ambitious UJ audiovisual communication's student and aspiring Film producer.

1.    Tell us about your background

I am a 20 year old, second year Audio Visual Communication (film studies) student at the university of Johannesburg. I am not from around this part of the country though. I spent most of  my life in the Eastern Cape, at Umtata. I grew up in a small family with me being the only guy amongst my two sisters. I came to Johannesburg in 2011 for educational purposes.  During my first year of varsity, I got the opportunity to join the SABC3 soapie,  Isidingo through my relationship with UJ Arts Centre. Through working with the production team of the soapie, I was able to gain insight on the television and film industry of South Africa. Therefore, campus film making society offered me a position as deputy chairperson . Today, I am a producer and presenter at the university’s radio station, UJ fm. I am also a partime supporting cast member of Rhythm City
2. As a child what did you want to become and why?

At first I had the hopes of becoming a teacher. This was driven by my love to educate the uneducated and change the ill-mannered souls in society. However, I realised that I could do this at a much bigger platform with television and media.  

3. What's it like on the set of isidingo?

I always use the quote about how “the moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but they seize us”. Honestly it was like a dream come true, I always wanted to be in a production, when Generations rejected me , Isidingo welcomed me and they groomed me.  Another  moment  I enjoyed was when I met the  cast,  I don’t wanna lie I went to the bathroom and  prayed cause it was what I wanted , to hang with them celebrities. I am truly blessed; I know a lot of people would die for my job or my life nje in general.

4. What do you look forward to most in your day?

I look forward to a productive day, because when I wake up my phone has already emails and SMSs, and I have to attend meetings, so I look forward to a productive day; no delays , drama or depressing news.
5. Besides your achievements on TV, what would you say is your biggest personal achievement and why?

My biggest achievement is being a second year student and having people looking up to me already, and I am respected. Secondly, making my parents and family proud; my little cousin told me last year that he brags about me at his school , I just laughed. At that moment I was so happy that he even talks about me at his school and my mom also brags about me at her work.

6. What colour best describes you and why?

White describes me, because what you see is what you get. I am peaceful and free spirited , I am also outspoken. White is transparent , that’s me, if I don’t like something, I just say it.

7.What can't you live without?
My Blackberry, I go mad when he is off! I even gave my phone a name hey! It's Tony. Secondly, my family, they are my strength, especially my mom; I have much respect for the woman. 

8.Anyone special in your life?

Oh yes.. there is someone in my life, but it’s a distance relationship. I love it that way because I am too busy focusing on my career. So if she was in Johannesburg with me , she was gonna complain a lot..but  when I am in the Eastern Cape I make time for her.

9. What's the biggest advice you've ever been given, and who gave it to you?

It  was given to me by my mother while I was still in high school. Wathi kum "never pay attention to people who gossip about you or who bad mouth you , because the reason why they gossip about you is that you are a threat to them".

10.What's your style philosophy? 

I am really not into fashion, but I try to dress my self in a good manner and look presentable. I like wearing jeans with blazers or rather let me say semi formal clothing.

You can follow me on twitter @Aviwe_N.

Check out my typical social network pose :)