Despite being vilified on social media, Unathi Msengana – SA’s media darling remains poised and confident through all the hate thrown her way.
Here are 5 things our features editor Phila Tyekana discovered about Unathi during their interview for our May issue.
Her weight bothered her
People openly ridiculed me about my weight. I was the laughing stock at shopping malls, social media and everywhere else public. I thought to myself I couldn’t give them the satisfaction of humiliating me like that. I’m the kind of person that when you tell me I’m going to fail at something, I work that much harder to prove you wrong. Whispers at the gym were the most hurtful. I’d see people pointing at me and then giggle. Being in the sauna was the worst and I’d be at my most vulnerable because I’d sit there and random women would have narrations about my naked body. Of course, those conversations continued outside the gym to their friends and family. I’d cringe at the very thought of being discussed at dinner tables and night outs. 
She saw the infamous open letter coming
The open letter was interesting to me because as violated as I was, I chose to protect her. We had been corresponding via email before she wrote it so I did know of her. She would comment on topics discussed during my conversations on the show with Glen and Mel. Her character on email wasn’t one that allowed us to reach a point of agreeing to disagree. She didn’t have emotional maturity. When the letter was published, I had no clue about it. I went to work as normal and when I got to studio, to my confusion, our producer told me the bosses had asked me to not mention it on air. I called my boss immediately and during our conversation he asked me not to read it because the letter was based purely on sexism. While the author loved Glen’s arrogance, she despised my opinionated nature. I promised myself then that I would never read or ever acknowledge it. I realised from that experience that someone is usually seeking validation for their opinion. I decided I wouldn’t validate her strife for my attention. Since then, I’ve realised that life goes on, because it is since that morning that the waves of attack from people started. That open letter was my greatest lesson. Now I’m okay with whatever comes my way. I was brought up to never wallow in self-pity and to live with the consequences of my choices. I chose to become a public figure and personal attacks come with the job. 
She gets over things quickly – like that Instagram pic that went viral
It was Thomas who pointed out that something bad was bound to happen because, once again, the pattern had surfaced – the good would be once again clouded by something bad in my professional life. We both laughed at the pic and didn’t take it seriously. Having something like that come out is obviously hurtful, but I get over things like that quickly. What lingers is the sadness at where we are as black women; we tend to pull each other down and give men more power over us. I’m not a vain person. My initial reaction was if someone wanted to get to me that wasn’t the way to go about it. If I did wear make-up every day and refused to be seen without it, that picture would’ve hit me harder. But it didn’t.
She calls her husband Liefie
“Liefie” is the nickname Unathi and Thomas call each other. In their nine-year marriage, the singer says they’re friends first, and it’s wonderful to have a confidant like him because he’s her shoulder to cry during times of need. “It’s wonderful to have a man that’s strong, big and bold as him and with whom I may share my life with.” 
She loves being a mom
Motherhood has made me a better daughter to my own mother because I’ve come to appreciate her even more. It’s made me a better human being because my children’s love is unconditional, their forgiveness is instant, their gratitude is bountiful and their possibilities are endless. So motherhood has brought a new pureness and view and given me a purpose beyond imaginable. It’s also kept me off the streets because family is that much more fulfilling. Get our May issue and find out more about Unathi, on shelves now Photography: Justin Dingwall Photographer’s Assistant: Eben du Plessis Make-up: Vuyo Varoyi Hair: Teboho Lehutsa, Smooth ‘N Shine Education Stylist: Jerri Mokgofe
