Khanya Mkangisa Interview

Khanya Mkangisa is a South African television presenter and actress best known as a presenter for YOTV, Shield Teen No Sweat Dance Challenge and she is also known for her role as Asanda on the SABC1 drama series Zone 14, since 2011. Check out our interview with the inspiration Khanya below.

Describe Khanya in three words
Ambitious, driven, caring
What is one thing you won’t forget from your childhood?
I grew up in the Eastern Cape. One of my fondest childhood memories was going to the beach with my mother.
You started your career as presenter at YoTV, how did that come about? And why did you take that route?
I auditioned for the Sparletta Quest For Fame competition with over 3000 other kids and I won. I started presenting at 15. I had seen the YoTVpresenters at the Rand Easter Show and I was inspired.
Did you feel the pressure to fit in when you started presenting?
No, everyone was welcoming, so there was never any pressure.
Has acting always been what you wanted to do or to you it was the next thing to venture into after presenting?
It’s always been a dream of mine.
As presenter have you frizzed on screen because you forgot you lines or links? how did you deal with it?
On live television there will be times where things don’t run smoothly, you just have to carry on and not let the viewers know of the technical problems.
Please tell us about your character in Zone 14?
I play a matriculant, Asanda. She has ambitions of becoming a doctor, but is faced with the challenges that most teenagers face .

Are there any similarities between you and the character that you play in Zone
Her ambition and drive are characteristics we both possess.
How did you get to join the second season of Intersexions? What was the experience like playing a leading role?
My agent sent me the audition brief and script, I auditioned and a month later (after thinking I hadn’t got the part) I got the call. I was ecstatic. The first season had done so well and had won many awards so I was really excited to work with such a great team.

Do you think Intersexions is making an impact in young people’s lives?
It’s certainly getting people talking and making people more aware of the type of relationships and intimate interactions people have with each other.
How do you choose the characters that you play?
I try challenge myself as an actress, so parts that are completely different to who I am as a person really excite me.
As an actress what is one thing that one need when acting?
You need to be able to create or find a balance of showing a reaction to something effectively without over-acting. I believe subtlety is key.
 Tell us something about you that most people don’t know?
I’m an only child. I spent the first have of my schooling years in boarding school, which made me really independent.

Which famous icon do you admire? Why?
Internationally, Oprah really inspires me. Her ability of not letting her childhood despairs and get the better of her. Her philanthropy and humility after her success really stand out to me.

That there is absolutely nothing holding us back from achieving whatever it is we would like to. We are empowered and should take on more leadership roles.

What is one thing that you wish you knew then that you know now?
That life goes on and then when going through a tough patch, to take it in your stride and pick yourself up again.

 If you were given a chance, would you enter Big Brother?
Probably not. I can’t live without my gadgets and the internet. I love being informed on what’s happening in the world.
 What are your future plans?
I’d love to act in more international shows and I’d also love to own a clothing boutique one day.
What is your advice to young people out there?
To follow their dreams and once they get there to keep working at it and to never be content. There’s lots be attained out there.

How can your fans get in touch with you ?
My twitter handle is @khanyamkangisa and on instagram they can follow @ilovekhanya