In The Hotseat this month are actress, Terry Pheto, and TV presenter, Andile Ncube. Together, they star in the hot TV show, The Search: E! Host South Africa, with Pheto as judge/mentor and Ncube as host.
TERRY PHETO
I am 35 years old and so far in my career…
I have lived, or tried to live, my true passion and got rewarded in the process. My first film, Tsotsi, won an Oscar. My dream role of playing Mam’ Winnie Mandela just came true and I have worked with international actors, directors and producers.
I set myself targets each year and so far, everything is going according to plan, which is great but then it means every year I have to have a bigger dream.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned…
I learnt from my mother and grandmother that respect is everything. Respect what you do and respect people. It goes a long way and is how I approach life and career. That is the greatest lesson I have ever learnt and one thing I will teach my children.
My best qualities are…
My passion about everything that I love and believe in is one of my greatest qualities. I am also compassionate and honest. If you are honest with yourself then you become a better person in approaching the world because it always starts with you.
My personal motto is…
It changes all the time because you are faced with different challenges and then you have to apply a different approach but as long as you are true to yourself, what is meant for you will never leave you.
A perfect day would be…
As long as I am surrounded by the people I love and there is a good glass of red wine and a lovely meal in front of me. I love cooking and spending time with my nephews.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had…
I have never had a worst job, honestly, I had a job when I was younger and I was a teller and I loved it. It lasted for two months. I have been very blessed to be rewarded for the work that I do, which is my passion.
Worst qualities/qualities you need to improve on
I think I need to learn to be nicer to myself and it’s so hard because you push yourself and you don’t stop to celebrate yourself. It’s something I am learning to do as I get older, to learn to celebrate and give myself a pat on the back.
My pet hate is…
People that are unreliable. Don’t waste my time.
If I could have dinner with someone living or dead it would be…
My late dad and brother. I just lost my dad recently and I lost my brother a couple of years ago, I would just want to find out if they are together.
My addiction is…
My iPhone 7
So far 2017 has been…
It started on an amazing note. I was on holiday in Sydney, came back mid-Jan. Three days later I lost my dad and a week later, my biggest project came out, as you know The Search: E! Host South Africa, Madiba in the US and The Mercedes Benz campaign. So, it has been quite eventful.
ANDILE NCUBE
I am 36 years old and so far in my career…
I’ve had almost 15 years of constant work and it has been an amazing ride.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learnt that you never stop learning and that you should never shut the door to anyone because this unpredictable animal called entertainment comes back around, time and again.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
In a country where so many don’t have jobs, I’ve always been grateful for the opportunities to make a living.
What scares you most…
Never knowing my purpose.
My personal motto is…
All that I am, and all that I am worth, is consequence of the choices that I have made.
A perfect day would be…
Every day that I wake up.
If I could have dinner with someone living or dead, it would be…
Favourite Ncube, my late grandmother, who is my true heart and first love.
My addiction is…
Love! It feeds me everyday.
My death row meal would be…
A plate full of “the word” from God.
So far 2017 has been…
A godsend.
The Search: E! Host South Africa airs on Wednesdays at 8:55pm on E! (DStv channel 124).
This story was first published in The Media magazine’s Rise of the Screens issue, March 2017. Read the digizine by clicking on the cover.