The ambitious media mogul reveals the inspiring story of how she rose from rock bottom.
Not even a fast growing baby bump is slowing Sisanda Nomusa Qwabe-Coutaud down. These days, the industrious actress is channeling her boundless energy into taking her brand to the next level.
A few weeks ago, our interview with Sisanda was cancelled due to her busy work schedule. With her flight to London leaving the next day, it was a case of ‘now or never’ to get the long overdue interview on the way.
Luckily for us, she finally arrived to be interviewed; ditching her usual comfy clothes for a smart trouser suit. She stepped out of her silver BMW x3, beaming from ear to ear.
We chatted with the 27 year-old television personality, who in person is contagiously chatty and smiley, about her humble beginnings, glittering career, her regrets, family and what the future holds for her brand.
Who is Sisanda Nomusa Qwabe-Coutaud?
Sisanda is a very simple God fearing, down to earth and fun-loving lady. Besides being an actress, presenter, film director, producer, reporter and a businesswoman, I am also a mother, a wife and a sister.
I would also describe myself as a ‘Chameleon’: I can adapt to any environment and blend in.If you leave me in the farm, I will survive and have fun, and if you leave me in the suburbs, I will fit in perfectly.
You are from the village of Kwamhlab’uyalingana in Northern KZN. How did the village shape who you are today?
I enjoyed every minute of growing up in the village. That village taught me a lot about life. The village taught me how to respect others,how to survive and showed how important it is to work hard in life.
Can you share why you moved to Johannesburg?
Well growing up in a village, you will always see on TV that everything good comes from the urban areas, and also most of people from my village live and work in Johannesburg, so I believed that was a place I could really make my dreams come true.
What were the initial struggles you faced in the beginning of your stay in Johannesburg?
Coming to Johannesburg was never an easy decision to make. I came with nothing. I had only R10.00 and no place to stay. I lived in really awkward places for months, but I did not give up. At some stage, I was living at the park station but I always believed that “This too shall pass.” I did odd jobs and survived on the leftovers of a woman who sold food.
What advice will you give to an ambitious young girl in KZN who aspires to become a superstar like you?
I wish they can learn from my life, that being poor and coming from the rural areas, should never be a stumbling block to your success. Never look at where you come from, always focus on where you are going to. Never let anything stand in your way.
Who inspires your drive to succeed?
My late mother Fikile was and will always be my inspiration. There is no stronger woman than my mother. Her faith was phenomenal. She taught me never to give up in life. She never complained even though I knew she was finding it difficult to raise 11 kids while unemployed, but she always had the biggest smile on her face.
What is your biggest regret in life?
Two weeks before my mom passed away, she asked me to stay another night when I visited her at Rocktail bay lodge where she was staying. I told her I could not because I had to get back to work the following day in Johannesburg. Only if I knew that was the last time I will ever see her alive.
I just can’t forgive myself until today. I wish I stayed.
How have you changed since becoming a mother?
I drive slowly now lol… I also spend more time at home than I do in the office. I have slowed down on long nails too…hehehe…
You are married to a Frenchman. Are you teaching him Zulu and has your French improved?
Yes I am trying to teach him Zulu. He is actually picking up the language fast.I am trying, my French is still not that good, but it is better than yesterday… hehehe…..
What has been the most valuable lesson the media Industry has taught you?
Never use your body or physical appearances to gain fame – It will never work. Easy come, easy go. Rather work your way up and never sleep your way to the top. Hard work earns you respect and builds legacies, but laziness earns you temporary fame that will quickly fade.
With several appearances on DSTV’s Mzanzi Magic, it seems like acting is your first love. Is there any type of role in particular you love playing?
Yeah that’s right, I love acting a lot. My favorite role is to play a village girl, and change in between for a city girl, because that’s actually who I am. I nail that one!
You are a multi-talented individual, what are your hidden talents?
Most people do not know that I am also a musician. I recorded my album in 2005 and released it. I started to spend more time acting and couldn’t find the time to promote the project.
What new projects are you working on at the moment?
Currently, I am growing my Production Company, Her Majesty Media, which I collaborate with OneJohn5Four media, another media giant. We are doing well so far. We have to score multi millions in the next few months. (God willing)
What legacy will you like to leave behind when you retire some day?
I want to be remembered as a strong woman that lived to entertain and serve others.
What does the future hold for your brand?
God knows best! But I know he has great plans for me, he says so in the book of Jeremiah 29: 11. So I am not shaken, I just leave everything to him.