Yesterday, seasoned television presenter Hulisani Ravele celebrated 18 years in the broadcast industry. We chat to her about her journey and future plans.
It seems just like yesterday when Hulisani burst into our screens as Cece. Now at age 27, Hulisani Ravele’s career has seen her grow from a little girl to a vibrant young woman on South African television screens. Hulisani first came on as a cheeky, know-it-all 9-year-old as ‘Sabrina’ in SABC 1’s kiddies programme Pula and Friends. This was followed by memorable moments from her 8-year journey as a YOTV presenter, then her coming-of-age as a sexy host on Vodacom Millionaires, and finally, a look at one of her proudest projects to date, hosting a live talk show I Am South African.
18 years in the industry, how do you feel?
I could cry (cries) – I’m just filled with so much gratitude for friends, family and everyone who has supported me through the years and kept me humble. This is such a tough industry and it’s so easy to get chewed and spat out. So I am great full that I am still standing 18 years later.
Speaking of you still standing, what did you do differently to make sure that you’re here today?
I ran my own race, that’s the only way I did it. There is a saying that says “Comparison is a thief of joy.” Not that I never went through it, I also did once upon a time compare myself with other people in the industry, but I’m glad I snapped out of it. Now all I do is run my own race and not compete with anyone.
You’re celebrating by giving us a new show. How did it come about?
I am still conceptualising it, it will be titled ‘The Hulisani Ravele Show’. It’s something I have always wanted to do, since my YoTV days. It’s going to be a talk show focusing on young people. This show is very close to my heart. I have dreamt about it for a very long time. When I penned down the vision for it almost a year ago, I was so clear about it and my intention – to touch and turn the lives of young people in our country. I want to use my talent to not only entertain, but also inspire a generation to literally be the change we want to see in our lives and in our country.
What is the show going to be about?
It’s daily talk show targeted at young South African viewers between the ages of 18–35. Titled ‘The Hulisani Ravele Show’ (or ‘HRS’ for short), the vision of the show is to create programming that is entertaining, educational, and empowering. Once the concept has been finalised on paper, my team and I will then go ahead and pitch ‘HRS’ to various broadcasters. Unfortunately, broadcasters have already finalised their programming schedules for 2015. So, it’s going to take a while, but I don’t mind. It will take as long as it supposed to. It will happen in God’s time.
What advice would you give a child star about what it takes to have staying power?
The people you surround yourself you are very important. Surround yourself with real people who will help keep you humble. People who won’t treat you like a celebrity, people who don’t even care about your celebrity status. My friends always tell me that they forget that I am famous until someone approaches me for a pic. The people you surround yourself with will help you go a long way.
Read more about Hulisani and her journey here
Also, watch Hulisani talk about her 18-year-old career below
