2006 December Woman: Lebo Mashile

Congratulations on winning the prestigious NOMA Award, what did this accolade mean to you?

I have not traveled much in Africa and this Award, coming from the literary community of Africa, makes me feel embraced by this beloved continent.  It is out of this world, and very humbling.

What are your current projects?

Currently, I am finishing the third season of L’Atitude.  I am also working on a permanent art installation due to be completed in Feb 2007 for the newly-built Graca Machel Women’s residence, at University of Cape Town.

My current personal projects are a new manuscript for publication, and the launch of my new website, www.lebomashile.co.za.

How has 2006 compared to previous years?

2006 has brought a great deal of hard work to fruition. 2005 was a very difficult year but a very productive year as well, I published my book “In a Ribbon of Rhythm”, and produced my own album “Lebo Mashile Live”.

A number of long term goals manifested from work I spent a long time achieving.  2006, this year was about receiving the rewards of a difficult and productive year,  the rewards came in terms of  professional visibility and affirmation form the literary community. 2006 has brought a leap forward in my career.

Tell us more about your work as social commentator/ a life skills trainer?

I enjoy interacting with people and engaging in the complexities that are in our society. South African society is going through a remarkable transition, and I am in an amazing position to record peoples responses, journeys and stories.

South Africa is an amazing place, and the people are equally amazing. While many have limited resources, they also have access to incredible cultures and immense wealth, not just material wealth.

People are using their tools and resources to propel themselves and society into a new way of living in a new South Africa.

South Africa faces huge social problems in AIDS, crime, poverty and corruption. But for all these issues, people are standing in the face of this, and for me, playing a small role in engaging and documenting these stories, is an incredible source of inspiration to me as an artist.

What have you learnt about women through your documentary series, L’Atitude?

South African women from all classes are using their lives to make a difference in the world. Currently women have the strength of history, but they also have extreme contradiction in society.

Women are receiving great opportunities, but simultaneously, South Africa is statistically a very unsafe place to be a woman, considering issues such as crime rape and abuse.

However, whatever the conflict, women are on the forefront of the new value system coming into South Africa, and replacing outdated institutions of thinking.

gsport’s theme for December is Celebration. How do you celebrate life?

I celebrate by expressing my passions, celebrating the joy in people, and by honoring faith.

This year I have also come to celebrate through discipline.  My work is a discipline, and I am constantly engaged in my work.

I have found a way to celebrate the joy in working hard, and sticking to the discipline of what I am passionate about in my career.

Who has supported you in your career?

My career has been blessed by the hands of many. But most certainly my family, my friends, the artistic community, total strangers, and wonderful fans: They all have brought the blessing of their support to my work.

Are you sporty? How do you keep in shape?

Hardly, I am by no means sporty, and unfortunately because of my intense work schedule and the demands of being on the road, my body suffers the price.

I am constantly eating unhealthy food on the road, and the demands of shooting L’Atitude doesn’t allow me to have a regular fitness program.  My desire is that 2007 will allow for me to have a better relationship with body and health.

Who is your favourite sports star?

I have a great deal of respect for Laila Ali, she is some one I wish I could be in another life. 
I also like Thierry Henry (French footballer) but this is just cause he’s incredibly good looking.

What is your biggest joy in life?

My 8 year old niece Tsephiso brings me infinite joy.

Great Music and amazing food also play a huge role in the joyful moments of my life.

gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity?

Each woman brings something different to the definition of femininity.  For a long time, the definition of femininity has been dominated by images from media, marketing and advertising.

But the future has female leaders, woman who are expanding their sensibilities about personal definitions of femininity and it’s challenges.

The best thing about personally defining your femininity, is that you embrace the ever changing complexities of owning your self.

What’s the most amazing thing about being a woman?

I think one of the most powerful things about women is that they are the first teachers to all human beings.

Early life is shaped by women, and women are society’s keepers of conscience.

What’s the best career advice you’ve been given?

Don’t expect success will be easy. Most people don’t come from families of great wealth or title, so if you want to build something successful, you have to prepare for a marathon to get where you are going and where you want to be in life.

Who are your role models?

My role models are people in my life who inspire me like Gcina Mhlope, Dr Pumla Gqola, Gail Smith, and Keorapetse Kgositsile.

How do you relax?

When I have been working intensely it is great music that brings me to a place of relaxation.

Go to our November Woman of the Month – Wendy Luhabe

Go to our October Woman of the Month – Michelle Botes

Go to our September Woman of the Month – Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu

Go to our August Woman of the Month – Leanne Manas 

Go to November’s Leading Ladies

Go to November’s Feature Articles

Go to the gsport Newsroom