Sinako "Esskay" Xotyeni

ESSKAY!

Name: Sinako "Esskay"
Surname: Xotyeni
Age: 21
Height: 1.6m
Shoe Size: 7
Dress/Pants Size: 32
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Brown
Occupation: Student

Something to think about..........

Stop worrying about all that you wish you had and be grateful for what you already have. Life is the greatest blessing..... start counting your blessings and you'll soon realise that you are trully blessed. - Acquila

............................................. Love, peace & happiness.......................................... 

Sihle "Alexis" Tinzi

Miss Alexis!!!

Name: Sihle "Alexis"
Surname: Tinzi
Age: 18
Height: 1.73m
Shoe Size: 7
Dress/Pants Size: 34
Hair Colour: Light brown
Eye Colour: Light brown
Occupation: Student/ Promoter

Interview with TV Personality: Tshegohatso "Tshego" Malepe

TSHEGO MALEPE

Since it is youth month i took this opportunity to interview one of South Africa's most talented youth TV personalities. Her captivating smile and down to earth persona is one of the reasons why Tshego is loved by many across SA. Behind that smile and gorgeous face lies a lot of hardships, yet this 22 year old beauty shines through it all. So, lets get to know her and find out what keeps her going and what keeps her smiling... 

Acquila:  Hey Tshego, thanks for doing this interview with Acqua Angels. Please give us a brief summary about who Tshego is, and where she comes from.

Tshego: Its a pleasure, thanks for choosing to speak to me. Tshegohatso 'Tshego' Malepe is best known for having been a TV presenter on Sabc 2's Qbase28. I'm originally from Vereeniging in the Vaal, I have two older siblings, making me the baby in my immidiate family. I'm affable and full of advice, I like to help a friend in need.

Acquila: When did you start on QBase 28 and how long were you doing the show for?

Tshego: Qbase28  was just a concept until it was brought to life on the 25th of May 2009, it's very first live broadcast. That makes Qbase28 almost 3years old, I was there from the very start.

Acquila: What have you learned since QBase and what are you looking to do in future?

Tshego: To be persistent and motivated in your bettering your craft , and that one needs to constantly work on themselves in order to be one of the best.

Acquila: What do you think is your purpose as a presenter or as a face representing the youth?

Tshego: First and foremost, my purpose is to entertain, that's what I initially signed up for. Becoming a "face representing the youth" came with the package,  thankfully the kind of person that I am happens to tick the boxes for  what the youth view as someone who can be a voice and a source of motivation for them, its a big task to take on and I haven't done so consciously but that seems to be working out quite alright with no unnecessary pressure.

Acquila: What is it that you know today that you wished you knew about the industry before you became a presenter?

Tshego: That you need grab at as many opportunities as you can handle while you are still fresh in the industry. Be smart and strategic from the word go.

Acquila: Is presenting all you see yourself doing or do you see yourself doing other things and if so, what are those things?

Tshego: I'm studying to become a Strategist, I would like to get an education and empower myself outside of presenting. Advertising has also been a great interest of mine, hence my choice of studies. I'd love to tap into other aspects of entertainment, learn as much as I can. Be versatile, presenting is definitely not the end for me.

Acquila: What inspires you, or who inspires you? And what made Tshego who she is today?

Tshego: I'm inspired by people who share similar stories of being talented and growing up in unfavourable situations but choosing not to let their hardships discourage them, but propel them to be their very best.
What made me who I am, is the support and vote of confidence I got from my family, my closest friends and even people that had seen Qbase28 - or my work as an MC or speaker - and noticed something special in me and fed my soul with words of encouragement. I'm forever grateful for those encounters, it was as though God Himself came to remind me that I am more than capable.

Acquila: What's your favourite quote?

Tshego: Let ur pain be your Power - Oprah Winfrey

Acquila: Who are the people in your life, that you look up to and inspire you and why?


Tshego: As Clichè as it may sound, I look up to my mother, she's always rearing to go, no matter what. I'm motivated by her strength.

Acquila: What was the last movie you watched and what message could you draw from it?


Tshego: The Lucky One, starring Zac Effron. The message was that, every event, no matter its magnitude, is significant in creating your destiny. Every single thing happens for a reason.


Acquila:  Name 3 things that people do not know about Tshego.


Tshego: I'm actually quite shy, I have a mean sweet tooth! I love babies, the world's greatest gift.

Acquila: Tell us about your childhood


Tshego: Growing up I was spoilt, but I learnt to be independent very quickly, I wanted to lift the burden of single-handely raising 3 kids of off my mother's shoulders- helping wherever I could.

Acquila: What's your outlook on life?

Tshego: My outlook is that life is unpredictable and the best way to deal with that, is to keep a cool head, be faithful and think positive. Life is beautiful, it depends on your view.

Acquila: What are some of the obstacles you had to overcome to get to where you are today?

Tshego: I had to be ready to take leaps and make drastic changes at any given time and the thing is I don't accept change very well, I have that kind of personality.
I had to grow a tough skin and take criticism whether constructive or not, it taught me to be a little more confident. The obstacles I faced were mostly related to fitting into the industry and undestanding how it worked.

Acquila: Who are some of the people you look up to in the TV industry?


Tshego: The likes of Basetsana Khumalo, Bonang Matheba, and Terry Pheto. I love that they pushed through and claimed what was their's, when everyone around them was sceptical.

Acquila:  Lastly, what message would you like to give out to young out there who want to follow in your foot steps?

Tshego: There is no easier way to be the great at what you do, you have to put in the hours, work hard. If you want to be the best, let it be your own 'best' because you can lose focus trying to compete with others. Let the competition happen organically don't set out to beat the next person.