I grew up immersed in television, with YoTV becoming my daily go-to for content. It wasn’t just about watching; I knew every show, every feature, and harboured a desire to join the presenters on screen. After school, I’d eagerly tune in to catch the likes of Khanya Mkangisa, Selae, Carly, and others, sometimes even writing to them. Fast forward to recent years, and as a media practitioner, Khanya and I struck up a delightful friendship built on banter and mutual respect.

Khanya’s boldness and free-spirited nature have always resonated with me. She speaks her mind, which is a trait we both share. Last year, I had hoped to feature Khanya on a cover, but at the time, our schedules didn’t align. Nevertheless, destiny has woven its intricate threads, guiding us to this poignant moment where we reunite for a heartfelt occasion, marking the beginning of her transformative journey into motherhood. 

Khanya has given birth to her first born, a healthy and beautiful baby boy with her partner Desmond Williams, whom she has known since they were kids. 

Entering a thrilling new chapter, Khanya radiates with joy and beams with pride as she expresses, “I think it worked out perfectly, because the cover prior to this was with other people and now who better to share it with than my special person.” 

I wholeheartedly concur with Khanya; this cover shoot will forever hold a special place in her heart, a cherished memory that her precious bundle of joy will undoubtedly take pride in seeing one day. It is a special cover for us as well, it is our first pregnancy cover.

As I continue to express my admiration, Khanya and I embark on a poignant journey down memory lane, reminiscing about her ascent into the spotlight.

“So, uMakhulu wam’ and uMama wam’ are from ePeddie. I went to primary school in Grahamstown and then my mom moved to Johannesburg before me and I moved when I was 12. 

Johannesburg was undeniably Khanya’s destined path, leading her to the captivating realm of television  – what an unforgettable era that was!  “I know, it was an epic, epic, life-changing moment for me,” she gushes.

Khanya entered the Sparletta Quest for Fame competition, after years admiring the ikes of Sade and Mandisa. The show was looking for a new presenter and she entered in Pretoria. She went to visit her cousin Mimi, who lived in Menlyn, to be closer for her audition. Three thousand kids later, she won the competition.

She fondly reminisces about some of her most cherished moments from the show, “I remember prior to being on YoTV, my family and I would always go to the Rand Easter Show and I remember as I child I would wait for the YoTV road show at the Rand Easter Show and I’d watch those kids and be like I wanna do that. So when I saw the auditions, I saw my chance. Being a YoTV presenter and getting a chance to actually go to the Rand Easter Show but this time as a presenter was a moment that always stands out. Like I went from watching the other YoTV presenters and wanting to be one, to being that girl on stage was a stand out moment. That era was so much fun.”

Having already established a foothold in the entertainment industry, she then ventured into acting, showcasing yet another talent at which Khanya excels. She booked her first acting job while still in high school, playing Nambitha Mpumlwana’s daughter on The Lab.

Beyond her role in The Lab, Khanya’s acting credits include appearances in Isidingo, Shattered, Mthunzini.com, uGugu no-Andile, Mad Dogs, Zabalaza, Muvhango, and most recently, Kings of Queenstown – which turned out to be a special project for her. 

Kings of Queenstown was shot in Queenstown, in the Eastern Cape. The experience has a far more profound meaning on Khanya as she got to reunite with her father, who happens to live in Queenstown.  “He’s actually from Cradock but he lives there now and I hadn’t seen my dad in years so when we were there I was like should I, shouldn’t I? We don’t really have a close relationship but I was just like, you know what, life is short so let me message him and be like okay we’re shooting this and as fate would have it, his house was just a street away from where we were staying” Khanya explains. 

“So one day, I wrapped up early. I probably just had a scene or two and he came to fetch me and we went out for a late lunch and we got to catch up. And you know as an adult, and just also I don’t know if it’s because I am on this journey (motherhood), you want to realise the true meaning of life. You want to not harbour so much hate or resentment towards people, even though you are human at the end of the day, I think you kind of give people a pass because people are human and they do make mistakes and people are led in their decision-making, depending on where they are at that particular time in lives. I’m really thankful that I had that moment with him.”

When asked about her process for choosing roles and connecting with scripts, Khanya shares, “So initially when you’re starting out, you don’t really have much of a choice. You go to every audition that you’re sent and because I have been in the industry for over 15 years now I think I have set the mark, I think people know my work.”

With motherhood becoming a priority, Khanya expresses her desire to pursue roles that hold deeper meaning for her, “Also it’s different phases at different times in my life, I mean now that I am a mom, it is definitely going to be different. I know I got an audition script a few months ago, a month or two. And I don’t if you’ve noticed but the content now on TV is very sexual so I also don’t really want to be too type-cast but also just because I am a mom, I don’t want to be too conservative and shy away from who I am. I still want to be Khanya, the Khanya that I am known for. But I want to make better and informed decisions. And I don’t want to be an IT girl or a Slay Queen type character- I don’t want to be typecast like that. And I feel like I have shown diversity and range with my acting. So I would like to explore roles that are more meaty, more meaningful, more legacy projects that I’d like to do.”

Moreover, in the competitive realm of the entertainment industry, Khanya holds steadfast to the belief that her more than 15 years of experience have been pivotal in earning every role or opportunity through sheer hard work rather than solely depending on her appearance or age, “To be honest, I have earned my way. Every seat I sit on, every space I take up, I really feel like I’ve earned it and I am there on merit. I think that it helps that I started when I was very young in my career so I didn’t really get a chance to maybe feel unsure if I should book a job or should I be asked to participate in anything like that so I really feel like I’ve earned my way.”

Another admirable trait of Khanya’s is her willingness to assert herself and stand firm in her convictions, “I think it’s also part of the industry, even from a young age on YoTV, we would have producers who would yell at us during ad breaks while we’re live and we had to go back on stage and act like nothing happened. So I grew thick skin from the onset and I’ve seen different characters and different people behind the scenes, directors, producers who do try to intimidate you. So I’ve had to be like, ‘Yes I might look young and pretty but make sure you come correct’.”

“Transitioning” perfectly encapsulates Khanya’s journey, and as she embarks on the next phase of a lifelong commitment with her newborn, she shares that embracing motherhood was a topic of contemplation for her.

“I turned thirty-five and I was like ‘Oh my goodness’. So I’ve always been two-minded about whether or not I would be a parent.” Khanya is an only-child and her mother has always wanted to be a grandmother. At some point, she made her believe it would not happen until she turned thirty-five and decided to entertain the idea. It wasn’t an easy decision for her but she felt ready and had fallen in love with her partner, who made it even easier to embark on this journey with her.

Her baby was planned. When she found out, she was with her partner, after having done numerous tests, and this turned out positive. She describes that moment with heartfelt emotion. “When we found out, we were in disbelief. It’s crazy how you’ll still be shocked although it was like uhh, what did you think would happen? But you just never know what the universe wants and what God has planned for you so I cried, obviously. I’ve been crying a lot with my pregnancy, it’s just so emotional… Everyday I couldn’t believe that I was baking a whole human.”

As with any parent striving for the best for their child, Khanya is no exception, “I want him to know that he’s loved because when he knows that he’s loved, he’ll have the confidence to be able to become the best version of himself and whatever that is and whatever he chooses what that is for him.”

Now, Khanya perceives a deeper sense of purpose in her life, “The biggest one is the realization that we get so caught up, and it’s not our fault, but we get so caught up in what we think is the meaning of life and what we want for ourselves and I probably still am selfish, I’m really into me first and how is this going to serve me. So you really appreciate life in a way that it makes you see that yes it is about you but it really isn’t. What is the ultimate bigger purpose?” she questions. 

“I think what maybe makes it not so hard is knowing that I waited to have a child, I really, really waited and the last thing I wanted was regret. Now I feel like I’m fulfilled, I have fulfilled my purpose. I’ve lived my life. I’ve travelled, I mean there’s always room for more. But then you realise who’s to say you can’t still do those things? But for the most part, all my dreams I really have tried to reach them in the best way possible.”

As we wrap up our discussion, I inquire about Khanya’s desired legacy, to which she responds, “I would like to be remembered as just having lived my life unapologetically, going for my dreams and hopefully making a difference in someone else’s life.” 

And her advice to young girls, “Well firstly, you guys live in a completely different era from the one I grew up in, so I would just like to remind you that hard work will never go out of style. Hard work will get you in the room and make sure you stay in the room and being humble and being kind and knowing how to treat people – those are things you should never forget. All the other things just come with it.”

CREDITS:

Cover star: Khanya Mkangisa

Interview: Bonnie Meslane

Editor-in-Chief & Producer: Bonnie Meslane

Photographer: Austin Malema & Khotso Tsaagane of RTC Studios

Makeup & Hair: The San Hair

Touch ups: Caroline Greeff 

Creative Direction: Bonnie Meslane

Wardrobe & Styling: Lesego Kgosimolao of Advice by KgosiLesego

Wardrobe Assistants: Lonwabo Kabingesi & Bongiwe Masina

Managing Editor & Production Assistant : Celine Abrahams

Photography team: RTC Studios

Lighting Director: Austin Malema

Digitech: Tyrone Jhns

Assistants: Tshepo Zitha and Donavan Malema

Social Media manager: Thandolwethu Khumalo

Graphic Design: Adekunle Alowabo & Herbert Chaunzwa

STOCKISTS:

Bralet & mini skirt: Maxhosa @maxhosa

Karl Lagerfeld trench coat & bikini: Preview designer collection @preview_designer_collection | Thigh-high boots: Europa art @europaart

Zigzag top & mini skirt: Maxhosa @maxhosa

denim jacket & long trail skirt: Sir Anthony jeans co @siranthonyjeans | Footwear:  Europa art @europaart