For the fourth segment of my #MindsoftheYouth feature, I met with Bolele Polisa. Bolele is full of energy and in tune with her spirituality. She is currently a presenter of The Urban Brunch show at UJFM (9am – 12pm) weekdays.
She is a vegan, loves to cook and believes that there is something spiritual about food.
One of the key things that I enjoy about interacting and picking other people’s brains is that you learn a lot from them if you open your mind and heart to their insight and experiences. Bolele is a breath of fresh air and I strongly believe you can also learn something from her. Below is our conversation.
Tell me about yourself and where you come from?
I was born in Johannesburg. My parents moved to Dawn Park, in the East Rand from Lesotho. Going between Dawn Park and Lesotho is how I developed an appreciation for the best of both worlds. I was groomed to be a liberal thinker, a woman who takes care of herself and those around her.
I come from a family of four; myself, younger brother, mom and dad. We are a loving family filled with laughter and a love for knowledge.
How old are you this year?
I turned 26 on April 23.
What are your plans for this year?
I plan to get into commercial radio, grow myself as a voice over artist, and get into television.
I also want to do 100 voice overs this year. So far, I am sitting at 25. I would like to grow my business – the goal is to have a holdings company. Currently I am in the culinary and property space, where I cook privately for some of my clients.
Another one of my key themes for this year is to cultivate great relationships with people. To maximise my human power – discover and do things that are seen to be ‘impossible’.
What did you enjoy at school and what were your favourite subjects?
I enjoyed being on stage and performing, playing netball, drawing, writing and photography. My favourite subject was engineering graphics and design. I loved it because it challenged me creatively and mentally.
What did you study after high school?
I did a BTech: Marketing Management at the University of Johannesburg (UJ)
What is your quake book(s)?
I like The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma. These two books challenged the way I viewed things and would strongly recommend them to anyone.
What are you most proud of so far?
Had you asked me this question last year, I would have said acquiring some major asset. My greatest achievement now is giving myself space to become and discover new things. I am more about my being.
What is your life’s philosophy?
If you are not going do it with purpose, don’t do it at all. That is how I close off my show every time. I also live by the motto, trust the process of your journey and keep pushing.
What do you stand for?
People who are growing and more in touch with themselves. I stand for the exploration of knowledge and books, that is why I am part of a book club.
What are you currently battling with and what are you doing about it?
Saying no to the people that I love, I love to see people happy.
Did you vote and why?
Yes. I don’t believe in complaining and finding things that are wrong and not doing anything about it.
How does it feel to be in the broadcasting industry?
I feel it is so multi-dimensional, I enjoy UJFM because I started as a news anchor and now, I am in a presenting position. I also love doing voice over work; it allows me to express myself.
How did you get into radio?
One of my cousins once told me that I have a voice for radio. When I got to UJ, that’s when I decided to go for auditions and they cut the line in front of me the first time. I went back in my second year and I made it.
What are you currently reading?
Steinhoff by James-Brent Styan as well as River of Gold: Narratives and exploration of the Great Limpopo by Clive Walker and Mike Gardner
What is your favourite quote?
“The best time to know yourself is in action” – unknown
“When there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do you no harm.” – African proverb.