She's ready to take this chance and use it to her advantage.
TV presenter Yolanda Buthelezi (25) won the #SofnfreeSpotlight competition and she gets to go behind the scenes at the South African Music Awards and mingle with the stars.
As part of the growing and nurturing young talent, Sofn'free announced an initiative where one talented and aspiring TV presenter, videographer, and journalist gets a backstage pass to the SAMAs.
Out of hundreds of applicants, Yolanda gets the prize.
“I have been praying for this my entire life,” Yolanda says.
“All the years of practicing TV presenting in front of the mirror holding my hairbrush have finally paid off,” Yolanda adds.
“It has been a long and hard but very rewarding journey.”
On the day of the awards, Yolanda gets to interact and learn from stars like Kamo Mphela, Sjava, Big Zulu, Buhle Smith, and many more as well as announce the Female Artist Of The Year category.
“I am incredibly excited and honoured to be part of such a historic moment,” she tells Drum.
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It has been a lifelong dream for Yolanda to be in front of the camera. Born and raised in Olundi, Kwa Zulu Natal, she knew one day she would be on the small screen.
“TV presenting is something I have always wanted to get into because I am passionate about telling people’s stories. Hearing what inspires them and keeps them motivated. I am inspired by people going for their dreams, wanting to do better, and never giving up whether they are selling fruit on the side of the road or making big business moves,” Yolanda says.
Her favourite TV personality is, Bonang and as a child, she loved Zola 7.
“Growing up, I idolized Zola for being able to change lives. He has impacted so many lives,” Yolanda says.
“With Bonang, almost every girl wanted to have her class, charm, and tenacity. Her laugh and style of presenting are so contagious. But I also look up to women like DJ Zinhle who are chasing the bag from all angles.”
Yolanda is currently in the process of completing her final year in BCom Marketing.
“Education plays a big part in any career path. Even if I do not end up in marketing, I know going to university will equip me in whatever career path I choose,” she says. “It’s also good to have something to fall back on, educations open your eyes and to become world-savvy, on top of what you teach and learn from others daily.”
She is also passionate about modelling, and MCing. She has been a guest presenter on SABC 1 lifestyle show, HotSpot Seli, she presented for Soweto TV and she looks forward to a bright future at TV presenting. Her biggest dream is to go on an international platform.
“But for now, I will start her at home and show people my talent before taking it abroad.”
This year the SAMAs ceremony takes place virtually on 31 July under the theme, Redefine.
