He’s an actor, MC, TV presenter, sport’s enthusiast and also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Fezile Makhanya truly is an all-rounder!
You’ve seen him on Generations, Gaz’lam, Zone 14 and most recently The Queen, where his portrayal of Tebogo, an abusive man, had the whole country glued to their screens. Who is the man behind the screen? Today we find out!
TELL A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
Fezile Makhanya is the name, born and bred in the Zulu Kingdom. I'm one of 5 children and the only son. I grew up in a township called Esikhaleni. It's weird how I started acting, I was living with my sister and I had some free time, so she suggested that I try presenting or acting to make cash. Little did I know that I'm great at imitating certain types of people – 16 years later I'm still surprised that I get paid to be someone else.
WAS IT ALWAYS YOUR DREAM TO BECOME AN ACTOR?
Being in the entertainment industry was never part of my plan, but you know God and his funny sense of humour! Before all of this, I always thought I'd be the next rugby superstar. Unfortunately, due to an injury, I could no longer pursue that career. I must say I do enjoy what I'm currently doing.
HOW HAS TEBOGO’S CHARACTER CHANGED YOUR CAREER?
The role I played on The Queen is something many people still remember me by, which I appreciate. The character has absolutely shaped my career. It's attracted the right attention from factions of the industry that were otherwise seemingly closed off to me. It's made people realise that I am a real actor with diversity and range. It helps that I enjoy challenging myself in all that I do.
WHAT OTHER TV PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF?
I change my roles from being a presenter to an actor every two years. That allows me to miss the other skill. I recently went back to presenting, and the show I recently finished was The Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search. I enjoyed working with young producers and directors who come up with creative ways of telling stories. That was probably my best presenting work from a sports perspective.
WHAT GETS YOU UP IN THE MORNING?
What gets me up every morning is the drive to do better than yesterday. I'm driven by the pursuit of chasing happiness and contentment in all I do. After many years of doing this, I am at peace. That doesn't mean I'm comfortable though. I don't have a motto, but I'll share a quote I recently read by Alex Elle, it says. "May you be brave enough to choose yourself, even when others don't."
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ACTOR OR ACTRESS LOCALLY AND/OR INTERNATIONALLY?
My favourite actress is Masasa Lindiwe Mbangeni. She leaves me speechless in every role she plays. Internationally I have a few but one that comes to is Forest Whitaker. He is brilliant in his new show King of Harlem.
ARE YOU WORKING ON ANY NEW PROJECTS ON 2020?
There are a number of projects still coming for 2020. You'll have to wait and see!
WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO GO ON VACATION?
I enjoy holidays with loved ones and friends. It's a perfect time just to get away from all the madness of Jozi. In my downtime, I enjoy watching National Geographic and the Discovery Channel.
TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
After more than a decade in the public eye, there are very few things that people don't know about me. One they may not know is that I have a keen interest in the financial markets – bonds, gold, currencies and shares. This is a direct result of my degree in financial management.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE NEW YEAR?
I'm looking forward to many great things in 2020. I have some amazing TV roles lined up. In 2019 I'm grateful for the many life lessons I've learnt along the way. I've managed to do things at my own pace for the most part.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
I don't have a particular person I look up to, but rather, it's a pinch of different characteristics from various people that I've met along the road.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS?
I will be very successful in the different ventures that I'm part of right now. Most of the things I'm doing are away from the TV but the positive impact it has is life-changing for a lot of people.
PLEASE SHARE A FEW WORDS OF WISDOM FOR OUR JET CLUB FAMILY.
Believe in the beauty of your dreams, and when you wake from dreaming make it a reality.
SPOTLIGHT ON FEZILE MAKHANYA
Reviewed by Jet Club
on
January 16, 2020
Rating:
Reviewed by Jet Club
on
January 16, 2020
Rating:
