Former Standerton Primary-learner, Naledi Mthembu, goes full out in New Zealand

Ms Naledi Mthembu, originally from Standerton, has adjusted quite well to a life as television and film student in New Zealand.

The daughter of Lindwa and Maletsatsi Mthembu from town, attended Standerton Primary School from Grade 1 to 7 and was at boarding school, Crawford College North Coast, in Durban for her high school studies.

“I’ve had quite a journey getting to New Zealand,” Naledi admitted .

After high school, a scholarship to study in the United States followed and Skyline College in the San Francisco Bay area in California beckoned.

After two years, she transferred to Howard University in Washington, DC and was there for about a year and a half.

“Through all this, I’ve been studying television and film with the intention of becoming a documentary filmmaker,” Naledi said.

Howard University offered a study-abroad programme and since she loves travelling and exploring new places so much, a decision was made to look into it.

She ended up in New Zealand and through the programme, a partial scholarship to support her studies was received.

“Although I’m only supposed to be here for a semester and then return to America to finish my degree, Covid-19 and the horrific condition America is in right now, made my plans a little uncertain.”

The question as to how the Kiwis are handling the situation elicited no problem.

“New Zealand has had praise from all over the world for how they handled this virus.

“We are currently sitting with only one active case, and there were only about 1 500 confirmed cases in total.

“The prime minister and government acted very quickly and decisively.”

This single young woman however, has pangs of homesickness.

“The thing I miss the most about South Africa is the language, food and culture.

“I miss being able to speak in Zulu, and expressing myself in ways that only South Africans can understand.

“For instance, my friends here don’t understand certain slang words I use, and don’t listen all to the same music.

“I also miss some food such as my grandmother’s porridge.”

Naledi is an avid reader and challenged herself to read 52 books last year, no common feat. “Books are my favourite escape, but I also enjoy music and dance.”

Jazz, hip-hop and R & B come to mind in the former and she dances almost daily in her room for the exercise and the creative outlet.

Musical performances, specifically intimate concerts and jazz lounges are a definite ‘yes’.

“South African music is a great way to connect to the culture and country when I’m not there.

“I love my country so much and tend to miss little things when I’m away for long.”

Her interest in people, while film is her major subject, finds expression in her minor subject, sociology.

“I love learning about different people’s cultures and ways of life.

“It’s great that I find myself in unfamiliar environments so much because there are always different people with different cultures and life experiences.”

Naledi had a message for the class of 2020.

“Don’t worry too much about knowing exactly what you want to do in the future.

“Life at university and after school will give you countless opportunities to re-learn who you are, challenge your beliefs and refine your purpose.

“For some people, it will take longer than for others, but we are all on different paths.”