She’s one of the funniest personalities on Mzansi Magic, but Thembsie Matu is so much more than that. She inspires, motivates and is a firm believer in loving yourself for who you are.
Here’s what she taught us:
1 – Make time for people. She always makes time for fans and supporters. For example, after paying her last respects to the deceased at a funeral, people asked to take selfies with her and have a giggle about ‘Petronella’. Not an ideal situation, yes. But she managed their expectations without being rude or inappropriate.
2 – Learning is never wasted. As a young learner in Grade 9 she already knew she wanted to be an actress. But her parents didn’t agree. So, after matric she completed a Secretarial Studies course and even got a job immediately. She didn’t take up the offer though, and went for auditions instead. Today, the shorthand she learnt while studying comes in handy when she takes note for a role she’s briefed about.
3 – Believe in yourself. She bagged a number of auditions by herself before an agency signed her up. Why? Because of her size. In her own words: ‘I can act, sing and dance and so I am not ashamed of my body.’
Read more: We were also inspired by Thando Hope, international model with albinism, and her journey of self-love.