by: jenna kretzmann
Ntandoyenkosi Hlabisa walks down the steps of the Theatre Café. She greets two friends walking past and perches herself on a bench. Nobody can miss her. She wears a bright yellow cardigan and an infectious smile – that is the one thing you won’t forget after speaking to Ntando, her pearly-white grin (and of course her glorious gesticulations). After only an hour in her company, it is clear to see that she is strong. She is driven. She is positive. She is a woman who is ready to conquer her dreams so watch the space because Ntando, wants an Oscar.
A Durban-born, now Jozi-based girl speaks about her childhood with great fondness. For the first 5 years of her childhood, she grew up in KwaZulu-Natal with her aunt, living the life of an only child while her older brother and sister resided in Johannesburg. Although she remains very close to her aunt, she now lives with her mother, when not in Ruth First House at Rhodes University. Her name, Ntandoyenkosi, means ‘God’s will’ so it is no surprise that growing up, Christianity was her centrepiece, and still remains today. She is grateful for her faith as she believes it has given her a good grounding with morals and standards for herself. A friend described Ntando as a “spiritual-being” and happily says that Ntando is her motivation to maintain her faith and keep going. Another friend comments on Ntando’s commitment and ‘never give up’ attitude.
When Ntando discusses her biggest emotional turmoil, she does not lose her chirpy attitude nor does her smile cease. For two years she suffered through the heartbreak and disappointment of the passing of her father. The person she was and the person she is today is a complete juxtaposition. When she reflects on the situation, Ntando remembers losing a pencil at school. In the moment she cried and thought “If you were here, [dad] this would not have happened”, however she learnt from the experience and believes that she came out much stronger on the other side. Like a phoenix, she rose from the ashes. “Okay girl, you’ve got to keep moving, you’ve got to keep moving,” says Ntando.
As a Bachelor of Arts student at Rhodes University she studies Journalism, Music and her personal favourite, Drama. While she applied to various tertiary institutions to study Accounting or Psychology, she soon realised that these faculties were not up her alley. So, she prayed continuously, and her road led her to the steps of the Drama Department. Although this is her first year of stage and performance, she feels a calling to the subject. She knows that there are people who may have more experience and knowledge in the field, however this does not scare her away. Being described by friends as ‘dramatic’ and ‘outspoken’, the stage is the perfect place for Ntando. Her drive shines through when she describes her dreams and aspirations. “I know that I don’t want to do one thing” says Ntando, with her signature hand gestures in tow. She wants to write a play and see her work showcased, her wanderlust spirit craves travel and she would love to land a radio or television gig. She also has an eye for architecture so she would enjoy playing around with her inner-designer. Her biggest dream is the winning of an Oscar. With her thank you speech already practiced and memorised, all that is missing is her big break. “Imagine”, she says. Her eyes wander and her imagination runs wild, however she quickly comes back to earth, looks at me and gives me her big ‘Ntando smile’.
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