Zanele Potelwa Opens Up About Her SAFTA19 Nomination and Her Amazing Career As TV Personality

Zanele Potelwa Opens Up About Her SAFTA19 Nomination and Her Amazing Career As TV Personality. We recently did an interview with media personality Zanele Potelwa following her nomination for Best TV Presenter at the 19th South African Film and Television Awards.

Zanele’s continued impact across radio and television, from co-hosting 5 Drive on 5FM to lighting up screens on Expresso, makes this an exciting and inspiring milestone for young South Africans navigating the media industry. We would love to spotlight her journey and this achievement for our readers.

Kindly find the inspirational interview below:

1. Congratulations on your SAFTA nomination. What was your immediate reaction when you received the news?

I wanted to scream, but I couldn’t, I was in a car where people were screaming, oversees shooting for the next season of Tropika Island of Treasure. We were doing this pre-show called the Tropika Island Search, trying to find a new home for the next Tropika Island of Treasure‘s new home. When we got to the place I told everybody and we all celebrated. I was with the Tropika family,

2. What does this nomination represent in your personal and professional journey so far?

For my personal journey, the nomination was proof that God is faithful and that hard work will always pay off. Professionally, it’s a full circle moment. I started TV presenting when I was starting my career in the entertainment industry. This is a push for me to show that I am in the right direction and growth.

3. How has co-hosting 5 Drive shaped your confidence and sharpened your skills as a television presenter?

Hosting 5 Drive and doing radio as a whole is definitely the springboard of my presenting career. Working on 5 Drive is amazing because I get to work with the most talented people. Such brilliant minds has allowed be to grow and broaden my horizon.

4. What are the key differences between hosting afternoon drive radio and presenting live morning television?

Definitely the fact that you have a whole makeup on because on Television everything has to be in place. With radio you always have to be ready with anything that happen, you always have to be ready to change and pivot in a direction that listeners can throw at you. With television, you have to stick to the script. We plan most things in advance.

5. You are often described as a “modern media powerhouse.” How do you personally define that title?

I am so grateful to be describes as a Modern Media Powerhouse. I define the title as someone who is able to integrate both radio and television in our modern times to day. So for me I am also thinking about social media, how we can bring those together and allow modern technology and traditional entertainment to come together, I also define that title as a young person, who is figuring out how to balance radio and television, trying to figure out how to do both of them to the best of my ability. I define as hopefully being seen as the future of both platforms, as well.

6. Among your many roles — radio host, TV presenter, MC, DJ, voice artist and actress — which challenges you the most?

They all come with their different challenges. They all allow me to stretch myself, every time I have to tale up a role. I think it’s because, I am constantly learning, I am constantly trying to become the better version of each of them. I am going to say radio and television. Television because at the moment, I am growing as a television presenter.I recently shot in seven different countries, in the hottest weather , doing all these activities and having to remember my lines. With radio, you always have to be figuring out how to make this your next special ride.

7. How has working at a youth-driven platform like 5FM influenced your outlook and sense of responsibility?

It has influenced it in a big way, because I love the youth and I love kids. That is why I am kids’ friendly, when it comes to my brand. I am for the children, and I love them with all my heart. It is so important for me to be a role model for the kids.

8. What do you believe sets you apart in the Best TV Presenter category this year?

I am someone who has done a lot of different platforms, and a lot of different formats when it comes to Television. From doing a reality competition show, and I can also do a morning show that is live, and I can also do a Selimathunzi, where we go to people’s houses, festivals, and checking out cars. I can also do sports, and lifestyle for sports.

9. How important is public support and voting in moments like this?

It’s so important, because last year I won a Basadi In Music Award from voting. My community is always so supportive. Even when I wasn’t a TV presenter yet, and I entered Mzansi Insider, I remember I won the Viewers Choice back then. That is why I believe it is so important to have a community that believes in you.

10. As you celebrate this milestone, what new goals or boundaries are you looking to push next?

I definitely think it’s about time I executive produce something. I am so excited to do that sometime soon. Entrepreneurship is also an important one, I have been saying my clothing line is coming, and I definitely want to grow in that space. One day, I will be a talk show host. I also want to explore the international scene, interviewing more international stars, and attending international premieres.