The Pursuit Of Happiness

Fabulous and outspoken DINEO RANAKA, 33, is now exploring her calmer side. The jock-turned-businesswoman opens up about her journey of growth, motherhood and new ventures.

- Phila Tyekana

There’s a different aura about Dineo Ranaka. The 33-year-old is calmer and exudes confidence. Gone is the feisty, no-nonsense woman. We saw her in the first four seasons of her reality show Dineo’s Diary and were shocked at the Twitter wars she was having with other celebrities. As she stands over the stove making lunch, music by gospel singer Juanita Bynum plays in the background. “This is how I start my day these days. Juanita, in particular, makes me feel spiritually healthy. Her songs are soothing. She makes me feel strong. I’ve come into a space of not being afraid to reveal who I truly am; a quieter and less dramatic me. I’ve gotten to that place where I feel I don’t have to sell myself to people.”

“Before, it was all about staying relevant. So what’s the best way to be relevant? Being dramatic, I thought. It worked for a little while because that stupid media strategy made me feel important. Don’t get me wrong, I also wasn’t lying about who I was – I’m generally an energetic and outspoken person. But I overdid it.

“It came to a point where I had to scrutinise the kind of feedback I got: was it positive or negative? I got a fair share of both, but more of it was negative.”

Today Dineo sings a different tune. Even she is shocked by the things she used to say and do in public. “At some point, you need to tap out and start growing internally. I got to a point where I realised that I don’t need to be everywhere and all over the scene. I don’t need to be heard all the time. I’m an entertainer at heart, but I’m not a very social person. I’m a home body and very happy with not even being on TV.”