SELLWANE KHAKHAU
Pamela Nomvete- known by most South Africans as Ntsiki Lukhele, from South Africa’s popular soapie, Generations, launched her new book Dancing to the beat of the drum, at the University of the Free State yesterday.
In the book, she tells her story of having it all and losing everything. “Fame, money, a big house, and friends- I had it all. But at some point, I lived in my car. And that was all I had,” she said.
Born in Ethiopia in 1963, Pamela began her acting career In England, where she had been living. She moved to South Africa in 1994, where she became a household name for her role as Ntsiki on Generations. The name by which she’s still referred to- 15 years after leaving the soapie.
Nomvete said the purpose of writing the book was to teach young people about life through her experiences. “Many young people are on the journey of self-discovery. Many will fall into the trap that I fell into. It’s important for me as a writer to openly tell them how tricky life can be,” she explained.
Asked what important message she wanted to convey in the book, she said: “Knowing yourself and understanding your purpose. I ended up in a polygamous marriage that twisted my whole life upside-down. All because I didn’t know what I wanted in life,” she added.
In an interview with Bloemfonteincourant, Nomvete revealed her big plans for young South Africans.
“My book has a theatre play in tour around South Africa. It allows many talented South Africans to showcase their talents. However, my ultimate desire is to establish an incubation centre for young South African performing artists. I want to see more television and theatrical plays written and directed by young South Africans,” she said.
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Pamela Nomvete signing some of the books. Photo by: Sellwane Khakhau
Some of the UFS students who won the book at the launch.
(Left-Right) Lindsay Mathe, Prudence Mahlaba, Pamela Nomvete, Sam Styrax and Enerst Maselo. Photo by: Sellwane Khakhau
(Left-Right) Betsy Eister, Director of UFS library and information services and event organiser, Pamela Nomvete, and Senovia Welman, Information librarian at UFS and also organiser of the event. Photo by: Sellwane Khakhau
