Women changing the game

South African women are pushing boundaries and raising the bar across industries. Here, THREE game-changers share their approach to occupying space.

- By Thobeka Phanyeko

Glamour: When did you realise you were legitimately hilarious?

Lihle Msimang: Humour has always been an outlet I used my whole life, at school humour prevented me from being bullied. But I only started noticing I’m actually funny in my 20s. When I was supposed to be listening to a lecturer, I was watching Katt Williams, who inspired me to give comedy a shot. You can tell that I failed, neh? No, actually, I graduated Cum Louder (because I screamed the loudest when accepting my degree).

G: What does it mean to be a female comedian in 2023?

LM: There has been a great rise of young female talent in the comedy scene all over the country. Since I started, there are more women daring to take the stage. I suppose it means in 2023 I’m no longer the youngest female comedian. I’m in my 30s now, if I still held that title, I’d be worried.

Lihle Msimang
COMEDIAN

G: What makes you laugh?

LM: People falling down and losing their shoes. I’ve been binge watching these videos and I’m beginning to suspect TikTok thinks I’m some weird lady. But those videos kill me. I don’t understand, are they wearing shoes that are too big? Ma’am, why are your shoes flying off because you fell?

G: What’s the role of comedy as the world continues to shift and change?