South African actress and TV personality Ntando Duma has blossomed since her early days as a kids TV presenter. Probably best known for her portrayal of Zinzi Dandala on the hit TV show Rhythm City, today Ntando is a popular MC, TV presenter, model and mom to a beautiful little girl. She is also one of the six celebrities featuring on the current season of Tropika Island of Treasure that is set against the breathtaking island back drop of Curaçao in the Caribbean. We chatted to Ntando about her career, life and Tropika Island of Treasure.
What attracted you to sign onto a show like Tropika Island of Treasure?
Firstly, I love challenges. I’ve watched the show before and I know it’s all about challenges so I was really looking forward to being a part of the show. I like to push myself, and although the challenges aren’t easy, I really wanted to see what I am capable of.
How do you plan on out smooothing your competitors throughout the season and get your hands on the shared R1 million grand prize?
I am not planning too much to be honest. I want to go with the flow. I am not planning on having any sort of strategy. I think it’s best to just see what happens at the time and adjust accordingly to make things swing my way. Some things are a little too difficult to plan for.
What do you think makes a great team mate?
A great team mate is someone who has a great personality. I am someone who can’t really handle anyone with a dry personality. A great team mate is also someone who can think on their feet and someone who is smart. I know things aren’t always going to be planned but we obviously need to have a direction to navigate through the challenges. Someone who is fit will definitely help, especially on a show like this. I think I scored the jackpot with Sethu being my #TeamPineapple team mate, he’s amazing!
What do you plan on doing with the shared R1 million should you win this season of Tropika Island of Treasure?
I don’t really have a plan for now but I think as I get closer to the possibility of me winning the R1 million rand, I will definitely start thinking of what I will do with the cash. So, all will be revealed soon should I bag that prize.
What has been the biggest challenge throughout your career and how have you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I have had is being able to deal with negative people on social media. I started posting on social media a long time ago and over the years I have had to learn how to navigate around that. I must say that now, I am okay. I have learnt how to deal with it through reminding myself that the industry functions in a certain way and there are parts to the industry that I cannot change. It’s just important for me to not only take it, but to know how to take it so that it does not affect me.
What five items would you pack for a day at the beach?
Lip gloss, phone and charger, sunscreen, a gorgeous bikini and sunglasses.
What’s been your most embarrassing moment so far?
I remember when I first started my career as a presenter on Craz-e, I was doing live TV and during my very first show, I farted live on air because I was so nervous. When I farted I pretended like nothing happened. My co-presenter asked me if I just farted and there was nothing I could do but laugh on live TV! I was so embarrassed.
Why do you think so many people around the country identify with you and your work?
I think people have identified with me because of my authenticity. I have remained the person who I was before the fame. I have remained the Ntando people got to know in the very beginning of my career and I think because of that people are able to relate to me more. They can see that I am welcoming and that I am the same person they have come to love over the years.
What’s your ultimate travel destination?
I don’t really travel a lot but if I could jet off to any destination (after lockdown) I would have to say Santorini in Greece. I have seen many pictures, and it looks amazing! I love experimenting with new places and seeing new places.
What would you tell people about fame that they don’t know?
I would tell them that fame does not pay your bills. Don’t think that just because you are famous, things are going to come your way. You can be as famous as Barack Obama but at the end of the day it all boils down to hard work.
What does the rest of 2020 have in store for you?
I have always been someone who never likes to put myself under pressure. I always say whatever comes, goes. I am definitely someone who takes things as they come. I always like to expect the unexpected. You’ll have to wait and see…
Catch Ntando and her #TeamPineapple team mate, Siphosethu Colo, on Tropika Island of Treasure Curaçao on SABC3 every Tuesday at 19h30 with the repeat every Saturday at 20h00.
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