Bright, cheerful, super creative and always willing to turn his active mind to a new challenge. 32-year-old Bongani Motaung is a paragon of what can be achieved no matter one’s background.

Born in the Mafihleng Area in Nquthu, Bongani shrugged off that poverty-stricken background as he juggles journalism, radio broadcasting, art, acting, poetry, singing, dancing, sculpting and interior decorating. How he manages to keep a handle on this mix of artistic energy would be a mystery to most but he puts it down to being raised by a very strict grandmother, MaGugu Ndlovu Molefe.

“My gran told me I was a clever kid and a bit big for my boots! I was inquisitive and my uncles used to love visiting me because they knew I would make them laugh. I would always have the radio playing and would sing loud as my neighbour said they loved to hear me!,” Bongani told the NN News.

“I was very aware of the news of the day and fell in love with the media, especially radio broadcasting. I also watched movies on TV but that was a bit difficult as we only had a battery and no electricity so quite often my move watching was cut short when the battery failed!”    

After finishing his Matric Year in 2007 at Phumulane High School Mashesheleng area,  Nquthu, Bongani could not wait to get out and see the world. “It’s the one decision I regret – not bothering to upgrade my Matric. I just wanted to get out of my high school as the peer pressure was enormous – probably because I was arty and not one of the boys.”

Despite many financial challenges, Bongani persevered to study and graduate in Media Studies and Journalism at the Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies in Johannesburg. It was while studying in the City of Gold that the boy from Nquthu attended several art workshops and attended training after College and at weekends. This dedication saw him being awarded an Arts Certificate recognised by Johannesburg Development Agency. “Empowered by the University, the training included drawing, sculpturing, acting, modelling and research and presenting which we completed at the Mbuyisa School of Art on Soweto’s Famous Vilakazi Street, the home of to two Nobel Peace Prize winners, former Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

This led him to a stint with television where Bongani worked as an intern on the set of Isidingo (popular soapy that was aired on SABC 3 for many years) and Morning Live Breakfast Show. He was only 20 when he was given a chance to read out his own poetry on SABC radio stations, Metro FM, Radio 2000 and SA FM.

“I was also fortunate to work as an artist co-ordinator for different film projects and TV Shows like Fan Base, Ekasi Stories, Mzansi Bioscope and other short films/feature and also worked as extra or background actor where I also gained more experience.” Asked what he prefers out of his interest, journalism, art and radio, Bongani said it is hard for him to separate the genres.  “I believe that ultimately all of these creative activities are there to tell a message.

A message that must alter opinion, challenge opinion and create debate. I can tell a story in a newspaper article, through poetry, art and acting – but it is all about the message one wants to portray.” He believes that journalism is the centre of all these media genres without ‘which society would be weakened and ignorant’. Right now, Bongani wants to further his broadcasting opportunities and had a stint with the local community radio station in Nquthu. “I am also developing my drawing portfolio.

With drawing I am able to connect with nature, people while expressing myself and the views of others.” He says he is inspired by nature and the need to tell the stories of those society has forgotten about. “A simple message can change those who have been forgotten.”

Never stopping to take a breather, Bongani told of his ambition to grow his own Multimedia Art, Designing and Media House.

“I will be able to help create jobs in the industry as well as creating better opportunities for artists in rural communities. I am currently running my own design company, Van Tuke Brands which is involved in marketing, media production, photography, interior designing, art and film production.”

He is the Chairperson and co-founder Of United Arts Africa an NPO aimed to educate and cultivate and develop and promote artists to enable them to sustain an economically productive lifestyle. And if that is not enough, Bongani is also a member of the Western Region Film Makers empowered by Department of Arts and Culture in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal.

The King Cetshwayo Statute he created stands at the Cambridge Food Shopping Centre in Nquthu which he said he ‘did just for fun to thank the community for assisting me buy art equipment when I needed it’. “Young people should be encouraged to get into art and to learn about their own history – hence the King Cetshwayo Statue who of course was the King at the time of the Anglo Zulu War of 1879.” With such a full life, it is clear that Bongani Motaung is living proof that if you want it enough, you will achieve.  

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