What does it take to make it? More often than not, young people are led to believe that lives of opulence are the epitome of success. Of course if you live a comfortable life then you are more likely to be thought of as having achieved something.
Life coaches always talk about how the principles of success remain the same, whatever discipline you choose.
This is what SABC1’s Phola will be trying to demonstrate. Authentic South African stories are aimed at inspiring young people to follow their dreams. The show cashes in on the backstories of prominent people who started out with nothing and made something of their lives.
Making the list will be Mirriam Ngomani, a successful model who started out with a dream. Armed with great looks, Ngomani always knew she would end up courting the limelight. She signed up with a modelling agency and got to work for big brands like Nivea, which led to her modelling at major shows like South Africa’s Fashion Week.
Her TV big break came when she joined the cast of the local version of Deal or No Deal, between 2007 and 2008. But her greatest achivements have been her roles in two big movies, the Don Cheadle feature film, Hotel Rwanda and Nicolas Cage’s Lord of War.
Another star featured is Farah Fortune who has made a name for herself in the world of publicity. Fortune has managed artists like Cassper Nyovest and she currently runs a publicity company, African Star, which works with several top musicians and actors. If you retrace her steps, you will notice that she also started out with nothing and built her career from the ground up.
You could argue that not everyone is trying to get a break in the entertainment industry. And that’s why the Phola producers have also focused on figures from sectors outside of all the glitz and glamour of showbiz.
You will see the stories behind the success of Neftaly, a social entrepreneur, Zee Nxumalo who is a business entrepreneur, designer and owner of Galaxy Boys Thatiso.
Again, the businesses may differ but the principles to success remain the same.
Catch Phola on SABC1 every Wednesday at 6pm.