MC, actress and TV’s It Girl gets candid about her career, facing criticism and always sharing positive vibes, no matter where she goes 

A BURST OF ENERGY

Growing up in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Palesa Tembe was the only girl amongst four brothers, in a loving Christian household. With supportive parents and strong family values, the infectious personality we’ve all come to know and love always had her heart set on making it big on screen. ‘The two women I watched closely and truly looked up to were Oprah Winfrey and my mother, Nomvuzo Tembe,’ she recounts. ‘Within the entertainment industry, and as a TV host, Oprah epitomised the peak and level of success I aspired to achieve. She is entrepreneurial, with sheer natural God-given talent. And, to me, she represented the existence of endless possibilities for a young black girl like myself.

My mother on the other hand was my day-to-day well of wisdom, support, and spiritual guidance,’ Palesa lovingly continues. ‘I’m one of those people who ALWAYS knew what they wanted to be. I just knew I belonged on TV screens across the world,’ she expresses. ‘I was that annoying younger sister who used to re-enact her favourite music videos or movie scenes right in front of the TV while the entire family was trying to enjoy what was on the screen.’ With tenacity and big dreams, Palesa went on to graduate from Rhodes University with a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Drama and Psychology). She also completed an Adult TV presenter course, in 2013, at On Cue Communications. However, aside from furthering her education to achieve her dreams, she has always been blessed with the ‘it factor’  that’s needed to stand out in such a big industry. ‘I’ve just always been a bubbly personality. My high school principal even used to call me the “Energiser Bunny”,’ she admits. ‘I’m naturally full of energy. I feel like life is just too short to not be having a good time.’ 

PALESA ON THE ERA OF SELF:

‘This brings to mind a certain power in self-ownership, self sovereignty; owning your body and mind. Let’s do away with culturally prompted ideas that limit our self-expression and our independent ideas. “The Era of Self” almost feels like a command that challenges you to put yourself first in every way. This thoughtful theme speaks to a celebration of the self and also promotes a consciousness within oneself, daring you to be a little selfish for once. This, of course, comes with responsibility and an awareness that the journey won’t always be easy, but it’s a necessary one that we all need to take; a journey to getting to know yourself and, more importantly, a journey towards falling in love with yourself (again).’ 

SCREEN QUEEN 

There’s no denying that Palesa Tembe is a woman fuelled by passion and purpose. Starting out in the industry back in 2015,  with her first role in Isibaya as the character Kim, the bright-eyed star quickly cemented her place in the media landscape. From commercials, to winning the Presenter Search on SABC 3 in 2018 (which was her ticket to joining the Afternoon Express family), her journey has truly been remarkable thus far. ‘I came into this industry as a completely fresh face, no prior experience presenting on TV, and I hadn’t made a strong enough name for myself in the acting world,’ she explains. ‘However, the warm welcome I received, and the opportunities that have since come my way, have truly been something to marvel at. I’m so in love with my job and what I do, but what I love the most is the broad spectrum of people I get to meet and interact with on a daily basis; all of the incredible stories I get to share; and the sheer pedigree of people I get to engage with, has to take the cake!’ Today, Palesa is a SAFTA-nominated TV presenter who has been on Afternoon Express for four years, and had run a solo ship for two of them. Recently, she made waves with her new role in The Estate – a gripping, relevant new drama series on SABC 3. ‘Accolades like these always challenge me to continue doing great work. It quiets that voice in my head that says I’m not good enough and allows me to grow and thrive,’ she says. 

ON BEING YOUR TRUE SELF:

‘Being your most authentic self first asks of you to be comfortable within your own skin, and to embrace your beauty and your flaws equally. Understand what triggers you and what brings you joy. Take the time to get to know yourself and also be okay with the fact that this is a lifelong journey. Don’t be afraid of being vulnerable because, I believe, to be your most authentic self, you have to strip away the disguises you wear and break down your walls. You can’t be your true self if you’re not willing to show people who you are on the inside. Don’t be afraid of judgment, no one has this life thing figured out – we’re all just winging it. So, DO YOU. Just do it with love and respect. Take note of your energy when you’re around certain people and in certain spaces; choose to only be around that which ignites a positive fire within you. Allow yourself to grow, change and expand, but more than anything – be easy on yourself and forgive yourself along the way.’

EMBRACING IT ALL

As great as the journey has been thus far, the exuberant screen queen admits that she does experience off days every now and then. ‘On those days I allow myself to feel. I go through the emotional rollercoaster, and after it’s out of my system, I listen to and recite my affirmations and visualise my best self. I watch a sermon by my favourite pastor, and last but certainly not least, I put on a killer playlist and just dance it out!,’ she exclaims. And when it comes to being in the public eye all the time, and even dealing with criticism, Palesa tries to ‘take every comment with a pinch of salt’. With so much love for her audience, Palesa hopes to uplift them daily and leave a positive legacy behind. ‘If Pali Tembe can do it, so can you!

I really want people to be inspired to go for gold irrespective of where they come from, who they know, and how much money they have. I want everyone to follow their heart and pursue their true passions because you never know where they can take you,’ she exclaims. ‘I want that little girl in the middle of KwaMashu to say “I too am a superstar!”’ So, what’s next for Pali?  She definitely wants to host major award shows, interview more international superstars, produce shows, and pursue more acting roles that show her versatility and range. ‘Honestly, the sky’s the limit, and I’ve only just begun.’ 

Words by Charndré Emma Kippie
Styling: Mia Smith
Photography: Callen Jefferson/hmimages.co.za