You have recently been appointed as a junior creative producer at Urban Brew Studios. What does your job entail?
It is a dream come true. I’ve always imagined myself working alongside the late Akhumzi Jezile and Dr Musa Mthombeni.
My job is reviewing shows, finding creative ways to make them better, relevant and relatable to South Africans.
I revamp shows and come up with new concepts that we can pitch to channels, not just SABC but streaming platforms including Netflix and Amazon.
What did you study? How has this helped in your career?
I studied a Bachelor of Visual Arts, which doesn’t have anything to do with television.
It did, however, prepare my creative eye. Every chance I got inbetween classes I’d go to the media department at Nelson Mandela University. I knew what I wanted and always want more in life. I practically taught myself a lot about television.
What are some of the challenges you faced?
The only challenge I ever had was being the only one who believes in my dream. I remember being unemployed and thinking about how useless my qualification was.
I had to be proactive, and find creative ways of making it work. I didn’t have a cent, but being home in the rural areas of Tsomo in Transkei, my youth projects kept me going.
The young people in my community helped me keep my fire burning throughout the two years of idling with no income.
What advice would you give to someone facing this struggle?
Many young people send me DMs looking to be mentored. I’ve always believed in myself, and my goal was clear.
I want to say, young people, you are not lazy, just try your best. Applying [for jobs] every day isn’t enough.
I’ve been depressed but I found innovative ways to keep busy. Find your passion, base your life around that and keep moving towards your dreams.
Which of the awards you’ve received mean the most to you?
The awards were just recognition of the work by my youth. If it was for me, an award must come with R1m to change the circumstances of young people from rural areas. I am grateful for the awards but I just want to be impactful in society.
We need resources, and if government reduced the red tape, we’d get the boost needed.
You worked as actress Lusanda Mbane’s personal assistant, what did you learn from this?
Working for a celebrity was everything one can dream of. I learnt so much from the lady about hard work.
Every minute of every day she is thinking of ways to bring money in. I’ve seen her do five things at once; the hectic schedule, travelling, businesses, TV sets. I think our energies connected instantly because of the drive and determination.
What practical advice can you share with unemployed graduates to keep motivated?
As an unemployed graduate, I woke up every day to jog. I meditated on the word of God a lot. I am a firm believer of Christ and I am a spiritual being , so praying is the most important part of my journey. However, faith without action is dead, so work towards that goal. I suggest you volunteer, be present and aware of where you want to be.
Future career goals?
Netflix is definitely where you will see my name. I’m in the process of just stepping up and taking up the space.
Instagram: @lu_ngcabash and TikTok (@juslu_wethu)