THE role of Sarafina has changed the life of veteran actress Leleti Khumalo.
The then 21-year-old Leleti from KwaMashu township in Durban, KZN, could not have known that the film would become a worldwide success and cement the icon's career.
You can still hear the young Sarafina's voice when she says, "I want to be you, Nelson". Today, as a 53-year-old woman, Leleti is a seasoned actress and continues to dominate the film industry.
Leleti talks about the lessons she learnt during Sarafina days, her importance, how she became a full-time actress, taking a leap of faith for the role of producer, and being a wife and mother of twins aged 10.
She has had the privilege of being among influential personalities such as Miriam Makeba, John Kani, Ngema and Whoopi Goldberg.
She said they were not only colleagues but also parents who protected and shaped her.
ALSO READ: Sarafina! back in time for Abomama
Leleti learnt that you should treat new people in the industry as such and make them feel important and protected.
With the movie now being released in cinemas nationwide from Friday, 11 August, she said the film is still relevant today as it teaches young generations about past struggles and their impact on success.
It is special because it is in cinemas during Women's Month, paying homage to the remarkable women who have shaped this struggle.
"Women go through many struggles, we say shine."
Since Sarafina, Leleti paved her way in the film industry, starring on Generations, Uzalo and Imbewu: The Seed, where she was also a producer.
Now she is a full-time producer, telling African stories.
While she is aware of the toxic nature of the industry and the challenges of entering the male-dominated environment, she said she has been fortunate to be mentored by powerful people from day one.
Leleti continues to learn through production and appreciates the different stories each story tells.
"The goal is to deliver, which is often hard, but by opening up and learning from the new generation, she will grow," she said.
But who is Leleti when the camera lights are off? Leleti is the wife of businessman Skhuthazo Winston Khanyile and mother of twins Ulwenzile and Yamukelani Khanyile.
"I am fortunate to wake up and go back to my family. Other people don’t have that luck. It is not always easy, but I am doing the best I can at this moment," she said.
