5 QUESTIONS WITH JOY OF INCLUSION PROTAGONIST – Nomsa Buthelezi Shezi
1. Tell us about yourself (150 words)
My Name is Nomsa Buthelezi-Shezi I'm 38 years old. I was born and bred in Alexandra Township I love to call it Gomora. I am a second born in my family but I can say I do the job of the first born because my older sister just said "ITS TOO MUCH ADMIN!" ] . I'm an actress, voiceover artist, creative and storyteller. I'm a big big dreamer, when I was young, I used to be a performer even when my family were watching the news, I would interrupt their viewing and stand next to the television and sing a song. I love my family and my community. After I completed my Grade 12 I wanted to go Wits University to study Drama, but unfortunately my parents couldn't afford Wits. So I went to a drama school called COSAC founded by the legendary Sol Ranchilo. I loved it there because I still doing what I love being Drama and Music. But my greatest university was the streets of Alexandra, they taught me to be brave and ‘street wise’. I can say most of my characters that I played on TV were someone from my hood. I have 2 beautiful children Olwethu (son) and Lindi (daughter), they are my life. I’m married to the apple of my Eye, Zandile Shezi-Buthelezi. I'm a grateful human being, sometimes you don’t always get what you want but being grateful is key.
2. How do you imagine an inclusive South Africa?
An inclusive South Africa means Freedom to live, it means a Country where I'm not seen differently. A safe country for all who live in it, where I get men who respect a Lesbian woman and not feel inferior because I married a woman not a man. Knowing that everyone has RIGHTS and government now recognizes the LGBTIQIA+ Community as people that need their protection and their respect too.
3. What does the Joy Of Inclusion mean to you?
The Joy Of Inclusion means LIVING MY TRUTH! I want my children to say Our mom raised us to be who we truly are, The joy of having my coffee with NESTLÉ CREMORA after spending my past lying that I love my coffee black but the truth was I NEEDED SOME CREAM IN IT! The joy of being me and having people that appreciate me for MY TRUTH is PRICELESS.
4. What is that one aspect about you that brings you Joy?
What brings me Joy is people who see my talent and my hard work more than my sexuality, people who still back me up regardless of my sexuality, seeing people laugh brings me Joy, when I see people who are in love, it brings me Joy more than anything.
5. What is your daily mantra?
My daily Mantra is "NEVER WAIT FOR A BAD DAY TO CHANGE" when life gives you lemons make LEMONADE!
