SPOTLIGHT FEATURE: SALAMINA MOSESE

HI SALAMINA, THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING OUR INTERVIEW INVITE. WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD LIKE, AND HOW DID IT IMPACT THE WOMAN YOU ARE TODAY? WHAT ARE THE VALUES THAT SHAPED YOU?

My formative years were spent living with my grandparents, on my mom’s side, in Zebediela, Moletlane in Limpopo. Later, we (my siblings and I) lived with our parents in Ga-sekorokoro, close to the hospital where my mother worked as a social worker. I loved my childhood and have many happy memories of travelling to Durban for the December holidays and Christmas time in Zebediela with all my cousins, aunts and uncles. I am big on family and I think a lot of our societal challenges will improve with the strengthening of the family unit. Respect for all people andoneself is probably the main value that shaped me.

2. GROWING UP IN AN ERA WHERE YOU WERE SOME OF THE FIRST TO TRANSITION INTO MULTIRACIAL SCHOOLS, WE KNOW YOU DID YOUR PRIMARY IN EMMARENTIA. WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN ABOUT IDENTITY, CONFIDENCE, AND FINDING YOUR VOICE?

Luckily, the teachers and leadership of the school were very deliberate about helping all the black students and our parents transition well into the school;we were made to feel valued and respected. They made an effort to learn more about us, our cultures and our lives. In this way, we were allowed to feel like regular children, just like the other children that we found at the school.The job of teaching us confidence and embracing our identity was started at home, so all we had to do, was walk out of home with confidence, into the world.

3. TO MOST PEOPLE, YOU REPRESENT EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. CAN YOU PLEASE TELL US HOW YOU HAVE MAINTAINED LONGEVITY IN THIS CAREER AND HOW IT HAS BEEN FOR YOU?

Thank you for saying that. I would say that having longevity in the industry is a result of God’s grace in my life and not due to my intelligence or planning. I believe in being guided, and I am grateful that a path has been set out for me in the industry. The entertainment industry is one of the hardest of industry’s to manage, and I have had many days and nights were I asked myself why I am still even in it. I have had good and bad years, it’s a mixed bag for sure.

4. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU HAVE HAD TO OVERCOME IN THE INDUSTRY, AND WOULD YOU SAY HAVING A PARTNER IN THE SAME INDUSTRY MAKES IT EASIER OR HARDER?

Navigating the industry definitely comes with its own set of challenges. For me, one of the biggest hurdles has been breaking through as a young black woman in a field that still tends to favor men. It’s not just about proving yourself once; it’s about consistently demonstrating your capabilities and pushing for more inclusive opportunities, especially for women in key roles like directing and producing.

As for having a partner in the same industry, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s great to have someone who really gets the highs and lows of the business—you can share experiences, support each other’s creative ideas, and celebrate the wins together. But on the flip side, it can sometimes blur the lines between work and personal life, and you have to be careful not to let competition or professional stress creep into your relationship. It’s all about finding a good balance and knowing when to switch off from “work mode” and just be present for each other.

5. WHEN WE ARE GIVEN A VISION BY GOD, IT CAN BE HARD FOR OTHERS TO UNDERSTAND IT COMPLETELY. HOW DID YOU STAY TRUE TO WHAT GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO DO?

Staying true to a vision from God isn’t always easy, especially when others don’t see it the same way. For me, it’s all about keeping that sense of purpose at the forefront. There were definitely times when I faced doubt and criticism, but I had to remind myself that the calling was placed in my heart for a reason. So, I focused on nurturing my faith, trusting that God would guide me through any obstacles.

I also think it’s crucial to surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, even if they don’t fully understand it. It might be a small circle, but having those supportive voices makes a world of difference. Ultimately, it’s about staying grounded, praying through each step, and believing that, as long as I’m aligned with what God has called me to do, everything else will fall into place.

6. YOU ARE AN ACTOR, BUT YOU ARE ALSO A PRODUCER. WHICH ONE WOULD YOU SAY YOU PREFER THE MOST AND WHY?

Choosing between acting and producing is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child—they’re both rewarding, but in very different ways. When I’m acting, I get to immerse myself completely in a character, breathe life into a story, and live out experiences through someone else’s eyes. It’s a form of expression that’s intimate and freeing, almost like stepping into a new pair of shoes every time.

Producing, on the other hand, is like being the architect of a grand vision. It’s about shaping the entire project, nurturing it from just an idea to a full-fledged reality. I love the creative control and the chance to champion stories that matter to me. There’s a certain thrill in bringing all the moving parts together—casting, directing, and even problem-solving behind the scenes.

So, if I had to choose, I’d say producing wins by a hair because it lets me be both a storyteller and a creator. But my heart will always have room for the magic of performance.

7. WE ALSO RECENTLY SAW YOU ON OUR SCREENS AS THE HOST OF THE CONTROVERSIAL NETFLIX SHOW, THE ULTIMATUM. HOW WAS IT HOSTING THAT SHOW AND WORKING TOGETHER WITH YOUR HUSBAND? WHAT DID IT TEACH YOU ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR HUSBAND?

Hosting The Ultimatum was such a wild ride! It was definitely different from anything I’ve done before, especially since the show deals with relationships in such a raw and unfiltered way. Being in that environment and guiding couples through their toughest moments felt surreal, and at times, I felt like I was not just a host, but a mediator, a cheerleader, and sometimes even a therapist.

Working alongside my husband added a whole new layer to the experience. We’ve collaborated on projects before, but this was different because it required us to be so open and honest—not just with each other, but with the couples on the show. It made me appreciate just how well we work together, even in high-pressure situations, and reminded me of how aligned we are in our values and perspectives on love and commitment.

The biggest takeaway for me was seeing how we handled those intense emotions and complicated dynamics as a team. It taught me that my husband is not just my partner in life but also my biggest supporter and confidant, someone who can navigate challenges with grace and empathy. It strengthened our bond and reminded us of the importance of communication and having a united front, whether on screen or off.

It was intense, emotional, and eye-opening, but also a beautiful experience I wouldn’t trade for anything!

8. YOU ARE A MOM, A WIFE, AND A BUSINESSWOMAN. WHAT DOES BALANCE AND SELF-CARE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

Balance is definitely a work in progress! Juggling being a mom, wife, and businesswoman can be hectic, but I’ve learned that it’s less about achieving perfect balance and more about finding harmony in the chaos. Some days, I’m more focused on family, while other days, work takes center stage, and that’s okay.

For me, self-care is a non-negotiable. It’s those little things that keep me centred, like starting my day with quiet prayer and meditation, setting boundaries around my time, and not feeling guilty about taking breaks when I need to recharge. I also make it a point to carve out time for activities that bring me joy—whether it’s reading, exercising, or just unwinding with my family.

I’ve realized that self-care isn’t always about spa days (though those are wonderful too!). It’s also about giving myself permission to say no, being present in the moment, and celebrating small wins without being too hard on myself. And, honestly, the biggest form of self-care for me is knowing that I don’t have to do it all. Accepting help and leaning on my support system makes a world of difference.

9. YOU ALSO RELEASED A CHILDREN’S BOOK NAMED DISASTER AT GOGO’S SPAZA. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAP INTO THAT SPACE, AND HOW IS THE MARKET FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS IN SOUTH AFRICA?

Writing children’s books was such a special project for me! I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to shape young minds, and I wanted to create stories that reflectour unique South African culture and experiences. Growing up, I didn’t see many characters or settings that felt familiar or that looked like me, so the idea behind Disaster at Gogo’s Spaza and Cook-off at Gogo’s Spaza was to fill that gap—to offer stories that kids could see themselves in, while also celebrating our heritage.

The inspiration really came from the idea of capturing the vibrant life of our local communities. Spaza shops are such iconic hubs in our neighbourhoods, places where so much happens beyond just shopping, from family dynamics to friendships being formed. I wanted to create fun, relatable stories centred around Gogo’s spaza shop, with themes of family, problem-solving, and community spirit.

As for the market, the children’s book space in South Africa is still growing, but it’s exciting to see more local authors and illustrators stepping in. There’s a real hunger for content that resonates with our kids, content that makes them feel seen. We’re getting there, but there’s definitely room for more diverse, representative stories that speak to the richness of our languages and cultures.

It’s been amazing to see how these books are being received and knowing that I’m contributing in a small way to building a stronger reading culture for the next generation.

10. HOW WOULD YOU ADVISE PARENTS TO GET THEIR CHILDREN READING IN SUCH A DIGITAL AGE? WHAT TIPS CAN YOU GIVE?

Getting kids excited about reading in this digital age can be a challenge, but it’s definitely doable with a bit of creativity and patience. Here are a few tips I’d suggest:

• Make it Fun: Choose engaging books, act out stories, and use different voices.
• Establish a Routine: Read together every day, even if just for 10 minutes.
• Embrace Technology: Blend physical books with e-books or audiobooks.
• Be a Role Model: Let your child see you reading too. Let Them Choose: Allow them to pick books that interest them.
• Create a Reading Space: Set up a cosy corner with a variety of books.
• Connect to Real Life: Pick stories that link to their hobbies and activities.

11.WHAT WAS THAT MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE WHERE YOU HAD A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH GOD? WHERE YOU NO LONGER JUST BELIEVE IN HIM SOLELY BECAUSE OF UPBRINGING AND OTHER INFLUENCES, BUT YOU REALLY GOT TO KNOW HIM FOR YOURSELF.

I remember that moment clearly—it was a season in my life when everything seemed to be falling apart. I had always believed in God, but it was more because I grew up in a family of faith. But when I hit a rough patch that no one else could pull me out of, I realized I needed to seek Him for myself.

It wasn’t an overnight change. It was through prayer, a lot of tears, and honest conversations with God that I started experiencing His peace in the middle of my chaos. That’s when I knew—this wasn’t just a belief I inherited; it was a relationship. From that moment, my faith wasn’t just about going to church or following routines—it became deeply personal, a constant source of strength and guidance in my life.

12. IT’S QUITE EVIDENT ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILE THAT YOU ARE A READER AND AN AUTHOR. WHERE DOES YOUR LOVE OF BOOKS COME FROM? WHAT WAS THAT ONE BOOK YOU READ THAT COMPLETELY CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

My love for books runs deep and really started in my childhood. Growing up, books were my escape and adventure; they opened up new worlds for me. My parents encouraged reading, so we always had a little library at home. I would get lost in stories, and I think that’s where my passion for storytelling began.

As for a book that changed my life, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho really stands out. It taught me about pursuing my dreams and listening to my heart. The idea that the universe conspires to help you when you’re following your true path resonated with me deeply. It sparked a shift in how I viewed challenges—seeing them as part of the journey rather than obstacles.

13.WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE OF READING?

I love travelling. Whether it’s local or international, whether alone or with friends and family.

14. ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US AND COULD LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?

I am focusing on launching my latest children’s book, Cook-off at Gogo’s Spaza, the follow–up to my first book. I am also stepping in front of the camera again, so there is a new film project coming out in 2025 that I am a lead in.

15. LASTLY,WHAT DOES BEING YOUNG AND SPIRITUALLY INSPIRED MEAN TO YOU?

Being Young and Spiritually Inspired is about being open to exploring my faith and spirituality in a way that feels authentic to me, rather than just following traditions or expectations.

This journey is filled with curiosity—asking questions, seeking answers, and finding my unique path. It’s about being inspired to make a difference in the world, using my voice and talents to uplift others and create positive change.

Ultimately, it’s a blend of enthusiasm, faith, and a commitment to growth—recognizing that my spiritual journey is ongoing and that there’s always more to discover and learn.

Stay up to date with SALAMINA here

 

FACT FINDER:

1. She presented on I want to sing Gospel.
2. She wanted to be a phycologist.
3. She received a Matric Exemption with distinctions in English, Afrikaans and History.
4. She did her standard 1 in Mohlakeng.
5. While accompanying her brother to an audition, she herself was encouraged to audition and that’s how she started her acting career.