Embarking on the journey to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, held profound significance for me. It wasn’t merely about conducting another interview; it represented an opportunity to engage in a deeply personal and meaningful conversation with Vanessa Marawa, a luminary in South Africa’s entertainment landscape. My excitement went beyond mere professional curiosity; it was about connecting with someone whose journey resonated deeply with my own.

Vanessa’s story struck a chord with me because she hails from Nkandla, not far from my own hometown of Eshowe. Growing up in a rural setting, I often found inspiration in those who defied the odds and rose to prominence on a national stage. Vanessa embodied that spirit of resilience and determination, making her journey from emakhaya to the limelight all the more compelling.

Her upbringing, akin to that of many from the small towns of KZN, was steeped in simplicity yet rich in experiences. Recollecting her childhood, she fondly reminisces about the vast expanses of land that served as her playground and the familial bonds that shaped her character, “We were isolated, yet connected,” she reflects, highlighting the formative years spent amidst nature’s embrace, where creativity flourished and resilience was cultivated.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Vanessa contemplated how far she would go to maintain that lifestyle in today’s world, “We had some land, some shops, a bottle store, petrol station… It was like a midway point where people could come and buy the supplies, and that’s where we lived. My parents had a house there, and they had worked very hard to bring us up in that space,” she shared. 

“We grew up kind of in the middle of nowhere but we experienced a lot of awesome things. We got to work at the shop during the holidays, we got to run around in the yard and do things that kids are not doing as much these days. We learned to drive a lot earlier because we had the space to practice in the yard. We learnt a lot. And people also say to me “oh your accent” and I say I also spent a lot of time being brought up by my TV. My parents worked and I went to school from the age of 5. I was boarding from the age of 5, I stayed with another family at that time. It was a normal upbringing, now I look back and I would pay a lot of money to be there and do that for a lifestyle.”

Having access to television broadened Vanessa’s horizons, revealing a world beyond the green fields of Nkandla. She held onto the belief that there was a broader path awaiting her, one diverging from traditional career trajectories.

“That’s a bit of a funny one Celine because you know why? In high school you get to choose the subjects you want to do to channel you to the career you want. I never had that. I never had a clear line of what it is. I never saw myself as a doctor or a lawyer, it was intriguing but I never saw myself. I felt like what I wanted to be hadn’t been created yet and I felt like there was a gap that I was going to fill that I couldn’t quantify at that stage. Now I can speak about it as an adult but at that time I couldn’t see it. I was doing Geography, Biology and Home Economics. I wanted to explore all the different things that I am interested in and I think that drove my parents just a little bit crazy because I was just out here. But I was curious and I am dedicated when I find the thing that revs my engine and I work very hard but in terms of what I was going to be, there was never a clear picture at the time.”

As Vanessa’s aspirations occasionally drove her parents up the wall, it was her mother who took the initiative to push her out of her comfort zone by enrolling her with a modeling agency, ultimately paving the way for her career.

“I was probably one of the shyest kids at school. Teased for being tall. Teased for having the mlungu (white) nose. I mean, we all get teased at school, but for me, because I was the youngest at home, I also took it personally. So, I became very shy when I had to do orals at school. I don’t know if they still do that, but you have to stand in front of a class and talk about something. I would literally start shaking, to look at what I do now for a living – I mean, it’s crazy. And even at home, they knew that I was kind of shy. I think I was 15 when my mom took me to a modeling agency called Leigh Downing. At the time, I was like models, no, they’re all dumb. I mean, that’s the idea that people had at the time that they can’t do much else with their lives,” she explained.

Given the chance to bolster her confidence, Vanessa secured her first contract at just 15, serving as the face for a product named New Youth cream, “It was a big deal! It was a lot of money as well at the time. I was like in high school and I got this contract. And then when I moved to Johannesburg to attend Wits (University), I ended up spending more time doing this than actually attending classes (hi mom, sorry – she laughed). People kind of took me seriously in that space and had my picture in their rooms. It was insane, but I liked it.”

As her modeling career soared, driven by her adventurous spirit and penchant for experimentation, Vanessa boldly took a chance by entering for the first season of Survivor South Africa. This pivotal decision significantly propelled her journey in the entertainment industry, “Like most people in the country, I entered after I’d watched the American version for years. I watched every season. So when they advertised the South African one, I said to mom that I’m going to enter as a joke, of course, because what are the chances? But she said, ‘Go for it.’

Following her participation, Vanessa emerged as the winner of the season, a triumph she reflects on fondly, “Survivor was more than just a reality show; it was a test of character because a lot of us, I think, suffer from what they now term imposter syndrome, like you’re in a space, but you don’t feel like you deserve to be in that space. And that’s how I felt about that. And a lot of other things in my life, with that one in particular. And then you’re like, but I’m here. Somehow I’m here. How do I show up? How do I show and tell? How do I show and prove? And that’s what happened with that. And by the end of it, I was like, azishe, let’s go.”

It was here, amidst the unforgiving wilderness, that Vanessa discovered her inner strength and unleashed her full potential, leaving an indelible mark on viewers across the nation – all through the traditional media space. In an era dominated by social media influencers and digital celebrities, Vanessa’s rise to prominence predates the advent of the digital age. Yet, her enduring appeal lies not in algorithms or follower counts, but in the authenticity of her persona, the vastness of her spirit and the depth of her insights. “In a world obsessed with trends, authenticity is the antidote,” she asserts, emphasizing the timeless value of genuine connection and human engagement.

As Vanessa continues to grace audiences and airwaves on Vuma FM with her presence, her legacy transcends mere fame or fortune. It is a legacy of empowerment, enlightenment and enduring impact, “If I do a show or I MC, if someone has learned something, because I apply my learned experiences to what I do and I think it’s why it resonates with people. So I think the legacy I want to leave is that, in some small way, or even a big way, I was able to teach you something and you could change your life through that,” she declares, embodying the ethos of service and selflessness that defines her remarkable career.

Vanessa, in her forties, highlights that she’s entered her era of application and legacy. As a broadcaster, MC, producer, actress, and determined go-getter, she’s also embracing her role as an old-school DJ-in-training – talk about living life to the fullest!

“Being in my 40s is very empowering and emancipating. For different reasons, I chose to learn lessons the hard way in my earlier years, and now it’s time I apply that knowledge and wisdom to my own growth and future. I’m working on a couple of projects that, Godwilling, will educate and entertain longer than I’m around. In a world that moves quickly, that’s a tall order but I’m game.”

As Vanessa’s career continues to soar, she remains hopeful about becoming a mother someday, a cherished aspiration close to her heart, “I always imagined I’d have at least one child by now. But things work out the way they do. For me, I wanted to be financially secure before I stepped into motherhood. With the insecure nature of the work we do, I never felt I was there yet, never mind a stable partner. Was it the right decision? I don’t know. I’d love to be a mom, I would be a great mom, but I’m focusing on being an awesome aunt to friends, listeners and family’s kids.”

I finally inquired Vanessa on why she has chosen to stay in Durban instead of being in the City of Gold – Johannesburg, the hub of the entertainment industry. Her response indicates that she will always have a deep-rooted connection to KZN, embracing her identity as a proud KZN-girl.

“I’ve lived in three of the major cities and I’m in Durban now for personal reasons. It’s a great city, and yes, it’s not the hub of the entertainment industry, but there’s lots of fresh new talent coming up from here and for those that want it, I guide. I’m done with jostling for position, fighting battles, etc. And I mean that with a grateful heart. So, yeah, I’m applying what I’ve learnt, building behind the scenes and being peaceful, that’s what drives me, that’s where my happiness resides.”

Vanessa’s story serves as a profound reminder that dedication, perseverance and self-belief are the keys to achieving anything one sets out to accomplish. 

CREDITS

Cover star: Vanessa Marawa

Cover story: @therealcelineabrahams

Editor-in-Chief & Producer: @bonniemeslane

Managing Editor: @therealcelineabrahams

Photographer: King_ Henry_iiv of @_rtcstudios

Creative Direction: @Bonniemeslane

Makeup: @carolinegreeff

Hair: @Theroyalkindness

Wardrobe stylists: @lolakyle_ @obakengrantlhane @mrsuave_dastylista

Photography team: @_rtcstudios

Lighting Director: @Khotsotsaagang

Assistant: Tshepo Zitha

Digitech: @Davidblaq

Videography: @takeover.al 

Social Media Manager: @_uthandok 

STOCKISTS:

Look 1: Designer trench coat: @portoglng | thigh high boots: @europaart 

Look 2: Designer coat: @ntwanaofficial | heels: @europaart scarf: Wonderland_Collective

Look 3: Pants: @perris_atelier