Strong, Remarkable & Talented Thembi

After 22 years in show business, THEMBI SEETE, 39, has become a force to be reckoned with. But, in this candid interview she reveals all the challenges that paved her journey to womanhood.

- Dudu Mvimbi Leshabane

Thembi Seete is poised and calm – she exudes all the qualities of a woman who’s come full circle. She’s had her fair shaire of bumpy rides, but there have also been many joys. Because singing and performing on stage was the only thing she knew since she was 14, Thembi was bewildered when all the music group’s members decided to go solo. With no plan on the next big step, she figured it out along the way, which is how she’s become the actress and presenter we’ve all come to love. She’s since appeared in some of South Africa’s biggest productions, including Yizo Yizo, Gaz’lam, Mtunzini.com, Zone 14, Jika Majika, Clash of the Choirs, and Nguwe Na? Currently, Thembi lights up the small screen as Bongi in etv’s Rhythm City. Global watch brand, Michel Herbelin, also began a relationship with her. “I feel we’re a perfect match as my life parallels the tenacity, longevity and esteemed stance the brand has. I hope our relationship grows into one that eventually sees me as its ambassador worldwide,” she says. There’s also an exciting hair business in the pipeline. “The exclusive hairline range will be called Mes Cheveux, and I’ve partnered Mbali Nkosi and Sharon Khuzwayo to see this dream come alive. We’ve been passionate about hair for so long, and we finally decided to take the leap and get into business.” Thembi really has come far, and she’s accomplished a lot following what she says was a dark period. Unhinged, confident and with a zest to achieve even more, Thembi opens up to us here in her own words...

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