Old Alexan Alumni Feature: Masasa Mbangeni

Masasa Mbangeni, a proud Alexan, former Headgirl(2004), and Mandela Rhodes Alum, is currently based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Since matriculating from Alex and graduating from Wits, she has achieved remarkable success in the entertainment industry. She has landed prominent roles in popular television shows like "Scandal!" and "The River," and has also made a significant mark on the South African theater scene. She is currently starring in Netflix’s? Heart of The Hunter and Blood & Water (Season 4) which are both streaming right now. Her dedication and talent have earned her recognition and awards, (she is a two-time SAFTA award winner and three-time nominee),? solidifying her position as a leading actress in the country. Masasa fondly recalls her time at Alex, particularly the friendships she formed and the experiences she gained in the school's drama department. She credits her teachers for inspiring her love for the performing arts and for fostering her confidence as a young actor. “I took Drama as a subject at school and also did after-school classes at Stageworld Theatre School. After matriculating in 2004 I spent a year at Stageworld full-time and received my Associates Diploma in Performance through Trinity College. I then went on to read for BA(Hons) in Dramatic Arts at Wits University in Johannesburg where I majored in Performance and Directing.”

?“The biggest challenge to overcome was leaving home. PE did not have a [Film and Television] industry when I left for Jozi's bright lights, so that was tough. Overcoming homesickness, my father's death whilst I was in my first year, and living on my own in a new city was incredibly hard. But this was also my motivator because I knew home was 1000kms away and I had to make this work.”?

?All my teachers were my favorite truly because of the effort they took with each and every one of us as students. However, Mrs de Zitter, my Maths teacher & Mr Barry remain dear to my heart. Mrs de Zitter gave us after-school Maths lessons at no extra cost. She took time to help us as students even those that were not in her class. I still deeply appreciate her efforts. Mr. Barry had a sense of humour I’m only beginning to appreciate now. No matter how frustrating teaching young students was he was always funny! I appreciate that. The gift all my teachers gave me was to show up fully and authentically and I carry that to this day in my work context.

?The school motto,” Nil Sine Labore” nothing worthwhile is achieved without labour, remains my mainstay to this day. Through hard work, dedication, perseverance, and grit nothing is impossible. She says that even though she’s now a Johannesburg resident, she still has a very special place for PE/GQ in her heart. “I miss my mom, her cooking, and her company. I also miss driving to Cape Recife and sitting in silence whilst watching the ocean. I miss Hobie Beach on a hot summer day and ice cream from Something Good Roadhouse!”

Masasa's advice to current students is to follow their passions and to believe in themselves. She emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication and encourages students to seize every opportunity that comes their way. She also reminds them that it's okay to make mistakes, as they can be valuable learning experiences. “If I could go back in time and give my?18-year-old?self some?advice,?I would give her a hug and thank her for her bravery, curiosity, and audacity. I would tell her to choose herself more - in everything. That to herself she must be true first and foremost!”

READ THE FULL STORY:

https://041online.co.za/from-nelson-mandela-bay-to.../

Interview: Delon le Roux

Editorial: Eleanor Douglas-Meyers

IMAGE: @mluart