Fezile Makhanya Interview

Fezile Makhanya is a South African actor and television presenter best known as an SABC1 “Brand Ambassador”, from 2006-2008. Makhanya was born and raised in the small coastal town Empangeni, a neighbour town of Richards Bay, in Kwa-Zulu Natal. He has acted in numerous television shows including the e.tv soapie Backstage, the crime series Jozi Streets, cameo roles on SABC1’s Generations and Gaz’lam, the leading role of Sbu on the SABC1 soccer drama series Zone 14 and more . Check out our interview with him below .

Please describe Fezile in 3 words.

Fun, exciting and risk taker

What difficulties did you face starting off your career in the Entertainment industry?

I suppose when you are trying to build your name it’s hard for people to acclimatize, but once your face is out there, and the media know who you are the rest is all about climbing to the top.

You moved your career focus from sports to entertainment, why entertainment?

I didn’t move my focus, it was more of doing what’s going to work in the long run for me. With sports it was great while it lasted, but the issue was that it wasn’t going to be consistent as you don’t know if you’ll make it or not. Entertainment was more by default, I went for a few adverts then bam! I hit the jackpot..lol

There are so many actors and presenters in South Africa. What would you say makes you different from all the others?

I’ve even asked this question before and I always say the same answer. Have you ever met a so called personality that has Bcom in Business Management with specialization in Financial and Marketing management???…*crickets while waiting for the answer*

What do you think of the state of South African entertainment industry right now?

It’s going in the right direction. New shows like, Isbaya, Rockville and Zabalaza are show casing stories that are truly South African. In time we will be able to produce more tweeters, talent and the likes.

As a young person in South Africa, what do you think are some of the challenges faced by the SA youth and how can these be addressed?

Unemployment is the biggest issue we have. Also I feel that the youth should aspire to do more than just wait for government.

What do you love doing the most acting or presenting?

Presenting. I feel it shows my personality more and I’m able to be myself.

What would you say is the highlight of your career?

I’ve had many highlights; it’s hard to think of one particular one. I’ve enjoyed working for most of the production companies in South Africa. I’ve been involved with more than 25 projects in 10 years, that’s a lot.

What do you do for fun?

I live.

What music are you listening to now?

I listen to all sorts of kind of music, I enjoy house music the most

Who are your top 3 role models in SA

The business acumen of Cyril Ramaphosa, the spirituality of my pastor Mosa Sono and the fatherly qualities, wisdom and blessings of my Dad