Selae Thobakgale Interview

Many people know Selae Thobakgale from presenting variety of kid’s shows on YOTV on SABC1. Selae started her television career at early age, and she has been in the industry for 12 year.
Her highlights have been hosting former president Nelson Mandela’s birthday and interviewing the likes of Oprah Winfrey.
Today she is a motivational speaker, brand leader and a business woman. Her passion is seeing young people prospering and becoming their best.
YV: Who is Selae Thobakgale?

Selae Thobakgale: I am a 24 year woman who is God fearing, and is defined by that very relationship

YV: How were you like growing up?

Selae Thobakgale:I was a big dreamer. I still am. I was the one getting into trouble for coming up with wild ideas, the talker, the leader of the pack. All centererd around the insanity that I could make all my dreams come true. Insanity is good.

YV: When was your biggest break into the industry?

Selae Thobakgale:It would have to be the one I am most well known for, YOTV. This happened when I was 12. A very loooooong time ago.

YV: Please tell us about your 8 years at YOTV as a presenter, would you do that again?

Selae Thobakgale: Definitely. It was a path I had to go through. Everything about who I am today is directly or indericetly moulded by those 8 years.

YV: You were nominated for a Crystal award:-Best Kids’ Presenter in 2004, did you see that happening?

Selae Thobakgale: I did not expect the nomination but was grateful that it happened.

YV: You were also apresenter for a gospel show “Teen Gospel Live”, how was the experience?

Selae Thobakgale:This was a natural progression for me. The TGL brand was very “ME” and gave me the platform to make my beliefs and spirituality known.

YV: What would you say is the biggest challenge facing the youth today?

Selae Thobakgale:We are in a different kind of struggle, that is: our journey to economic freedom. Life is constantly showing us images of success and although we are no longer under an apartheid regime, circumstantial barriers limit many from achieving that success. Our challenge is Freedom still, just of a different kind.

YV: What do you think can be done to overcome that challenge?

Selae Thobakgale:The sloution is definitely not from the Top down. A culture of hard work, perseverance needs to be generated from communities. Young people should never be allowed to accept things the way they are. They should not be taught to achieve only as much as their parents. Group think should not result in izikhothana. It is a mindset that defines an individual that has thepower to change communities one step at a time.

YV: When did you start motivational speaking?

Selae Thobakgale:I cannot pin point an exact time. You could say I have been doing it, formally or otherwise for as long as I have been on TV.

YV: If you were to write a story about your life, what would the title be?

Selae Thobakgale:I am actually writing an autoiography of my life as I live it. Hopefully in the end when I am wiser andi have fulfilled my purpose, it will be worth reading. The title is…”Selae”. A name is all I need.

YV: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would the words be?

Selae Thobakgale: Child of God

YV: What does Selae do for fun?

Selae Thobakgale: I do off road cycling, theatre, film and I write (music, stories, ideas).

YV: Are you reading anything at the moment?

Selae Thobakgale: Steve Jobs’ biography

YV: What do you enjoy the most, presenting, acting or being behind the scenes?

Selae Thobakgale: I love the camera. So the choice is not between acting or presenting, its on screen vs off screen. The answer would be “a balance of both.”

YV: Any projects you are presently working on?

Selae Thobakgale: I just finished shooting a Romantic comedy called “Game on” for ETV. It premeiers on the 31st July from 8:30 pm. I am also a creative strategist for popi media.

YV: What do you think it takes to become a successful presenter?

Selae Thobakgale: Presenting is not something you can act or “put on”. You either have a presenting personality or not. That is the first step. Next is hard work and perseverance. It is not easy. Lastly, have an understanding of how you want to position yourself as a brand and sell THAT.

YV: Who do you look up to for inspiration?

Selae Thobakgale:God

YV: Any advice for young people who want to become future presenters?

Selae Thobakgale:Do YOU! This YOU may not be presenting. YOU is what you are created and destined to become. YOU are amazing and unique and can only succeed cause you are one of a kind.