She a natural-born entertainer, with so many successful projects under her belt and she’s still hungry for more.
Dineo rose to stardom as a radio DJ, musician, and then as one of the first celebs in South Africa to have a reality show, Dineo's Diary – now she's the executive producer of the spinoff The Ranakas. She's one of the most hard-working women in the entertainment industry, while juggling being a mom, sister, and boss.
When not offering a soothing voice of reason on relationship advice every morning on the radio, she’s also the executive producer and the CEO of her production company Brains At Work.
Here are a few things you probably didn’t know about Dineo.
TELL US WHAT IT TAKES TO GET TO THE TOP?
It took tenacity, stubbornness, and resilience. It’s not easy being an entrepreneur. You demand a lot from yourself. You can only hold yourself accountable for your failures (I like to call them life lessons) and a team to honour for your success. It also took a lot of sacrifices – time spent away from my kids, a lot of financially unstable days, and having to take risks that didn’t always pay off.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNG DINEO NOW?
I’ve known what I wanted to achieve from a very young age, it was always clear to me. So, my advice to her would be: Keep it simple. Slow down, yes be eager but don't be so eager that you aren't teachable. Control your temper Dineo, and respect that calmness is mastery!
YOUR LATEST PRODUCTION ‘MZALI WAMI’ IS RECEIVING GREAT REVIEWS, WHAT IS THE SHOW REALLY ABOUT?
Motherhood, in all its honesty. The challenges and sacrifices made by mothers as well as the interesting burdens women carry and how we are within our gender good, bad and ugly but yet so beautiful and powerful. The complexities of how our existence as women is an oxymoron.
WHAT KEEPS YOUR FIRE BURNING?
Being alive is my drive. Having life flow through me each day makes me want to challenge myself to see how much I can achieve or how far I can stretch myself while I’m still here on earth.
HOW IMPORTANT IS MENTORSHIP AND BEING AROUND PEOPLE YOU ASPIRE TO BE?
It’s of astronomical importance. If you have no access to people who can mentor you, never stop reading! The library was my favourite place and now the internet makes it easier.
WHAT CAN YOU TEACH YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT PERSONAL BRANDING?
I’m still figuring that out. I know it’s very important but I’m still a scholar in that regard so I’d rather answer that once I've gotten it right.
WHAT BUSINESSPEOPLE DO YOU ADMIRE OR LOOK UP TO?
Phathu and Gideon of Tshedza Pictures, the Fergusons, Lekau Sehoana, Rabia Ghoor, Alec, and Cynthia Mkhwanazi of AC Wines to name a few. They all serve in different industries and I'm moved by their stories and successes.
PLEASE SHARE WITH US MUST-DO TIPS FOR CREATING A HOUSEHOLD NAME FOR YOURSELF.
- Be genuine
- Be teachable
- Be consistent
- Be brave
- Be like water, be adaptable
HOW DO YOU BALANCE BEING A MOM WITH ALL THE OTHER BALLS YOU HAVE TO JUGGLE?
I take each day as it comes and I roll with the flow. I use my support structure which is made up of my husband, parents, siblings, my closest friends who are much like my sisters, and my household help.
WHAT MORE CAN WE EXPECT FROM DINEO IN 2021?
Quite a bit actually, but I believe the cat is best left in the bag.
PLEASE TELL US FIVE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU?
- I can strangely sleep in one position the entire night without moving, facing upward.
- I never get hungover. I’m the envy of my friends here, no matter how much we toss back, Dineo just never wakes up hungover LOL!
- I enjoy not having to talk. Like at all!
- I can’t go to bed without socks on, regardless of the season or weather.
- I can cross my eyes really well.
2020 HAS BEEN TOUGH ON ALL OF US, WHAT’S YOUR MESSAGE OF HOPE?
Mental, physical and spiritual wellness for everyone and healing from all the losses we’ve suffered – from loved ones to incomes. I hope for a steady return to normalcy.
5 MINUTES WITH DINEO RANAKA
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
February 10, 2021
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
February 10, 2021
Rating:
