1. Bonang
Unplugged
South African media celebrity Bonang
Matheba is pulling out all the stops with two
new television shows, a new lingerie line and
global plans for 2015.
Words Thando Matutu
J
ohannesburg media personality Bonang
Matheba is determined to showcase Africa
as “the next big phenomenon”.
“My success is not about myself but
about making our continent a hub of global
cultural integration, in business and popular culture,”
says Matheba.
It helps that Matheba is well-known. She has over
a million followers on social media.
“We live in an era of social media, and that is
where I have been able to influence the market
effectively, as Twitter and Instagram have become a
global mouth piece and radio is definitely my second-
most influential media platform – it has allowed me
to reach a broader audience.”
Where did it all begin for her? She first appeared
on South African television at the age of 15, but it was
popular music show Live that gave her stardom.
“There are many memories I treasure deeply
on Live, this show was one of the platforms that
propelled my career to where it is today.”
She is now presenter on South Africa’s premiere
lifestyle and magazine show Top Billing. In July 2013,
she won the YOU Spectacular Award as the Best TV
Presenter in South Africa. Her success in television
has gotten her big brand endorsements, such as with
cosmetic group Revlon, and this has allowed her to
break boundaries in many ways.
Since the 1980’s, Revlon has sought to associate
itself with the ‘Unforgettable Woman’.
Halle Berry and Emma Stone are currently
brand ambassadors for the make-up brand, making
Matheba the company’s only ambassador outside of
the United States.
Fashion being a big part of her personality, she
has often been hailed a style icon, having graced the
covers of various glamor magazines, and receiving
her fair share of awards.
Her fashion philosophy?
“Glamor is a state of mind, it not just about
looking great and having a good income. It boils
down to how you feel about yourself, what you do
with your time and the company you keep.”
Currently she has a lingerie line –Distraction,
available at Woolworths SA, and is producing two
new shows under Bonang Matheba Entertainment
this year. “Let’s activate greatness!” she says. FW
Ones To Watch
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 FORBESWOMANAFRICA | 49
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