My Time To Shine

- Ruwaydah Harris

SHE breezes into the trendy piazza in Rosebank, Joburg, accompanied by her adorable twins and two nannies. Thembisa Mdoda seems to be floating on cloud nine and it’s not surprising: she’s just bagged her first lead role in a film alongside one of her mentors.

But that’s not all. She recently won the ultimate viewers’ choice award at the inaugural DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards. And earlier this year she proved she’s on top of her game when she scored a South African Film and Television award for best TV presenter.

Getting this much recognition for her work is a little overwhelming, the former Our Perfect Wedding (OPW) host admits. “The Safta on its own was incredible. But it’s a big thing when people are willing to spend time and money on me,” she says, referring to the ultimate viewers’ choice award in which viewers voted via SMS for their favourite TV personality.

But not only are viewers smitten with her, Thembisa (34) is smitten herself after finding love with an OPW co-worker. “It happened so fast – in fact, as soon as I got on the show,” Thembisa tells us.

Sadly, she’s not ready to reveal her lover’s name yet but will say she’s learnt a lot from him about love and the industry.

“We met on set and when we met God had prepared us. The right person will always be the right person. He’s funny and he makes me laugh – he brings out the laugh I hide from people.”

They’ve been together for almost two years. “I believe everything happened for a reason. I had to do the show to meet him. Isn’t it crazy how much love changes things? We can be fighting and I’ll still think how much I love this man!”