10 Questions For: Mohale Mashigo

This Cape Town-based author is a powerful and inspiring lady. Her debut novel ‘The Yearning’ tells a fascinating story of a young woman’s journey that blurs the lines between past and present.

1. How would you describe what you do for a living?
I am a storyteller. Sometimes I do that using music or novels.

2. What is your most vivid childhood memory?
Walking to creche in the morning. It was my birthday and my mom picked a cute yellow outfit for me. It wasn't winter but I insisted on wearing my blue boots with the outfit. She eventually gave in and I remember how happy I was that it was my birthday and my mom let me wear my favourite boots.

3. If you could invite any three people, dead or alive, for dinner, who would they be and why?
Nina Simone, Bessie Head and Lillian Ngoyi. I admire women who don't give a damn. I would want to listen to all their stories and just absorb the wisdom.

4. If you ever found yourself auditioning for a music reality TV show, what song would you sing and why?
‘Put Your Records On’ by Corrinne Bailey Rae. It's such a fun song!

5. How would you complete this sentence? The South African cabinet should include a Minister of ______________
Getting shit done. Someone who is going to chase everyone and show them how them under-delivering somewhere is affecting other departments and the people of South Africa. Sometimes I am convinced these government ministries work in silos. MInister of Getting Shit Done would show them the links between their departments and how the people really feel about them.

6. What would you say is the biggest misconception about you?
That I am a "people person". I'm an introvert who pretends to be an extrovert.

7. What is your (honest) opinion of Cape Town?
It is nice to look at but it is lonely because people think they can take credit for random things that nature has created. Ha! "I'm so cool because I live near a mountain." The sites are great though haha.

8. What's the greatest fear you've had to overcome to get where you are today?
I had to get over my fear of failure and I also had to stop wanting to be "liked". Failure is part of the process. I have failed so many times and it hasn't broken me. Being liked is not nearly as great as being happy with the decisions I make. I'm not money, so I know not everyone likes me ;)

9. What's the one thing you'd like to achieve before you die?
I'd like to build as many school libraries as possible. I'm already working on my first library project already. Anyone who wants to help me give schools libraries, please shout.

10. Which well- known South African personality would you , without a doubt, be able to beat in a street fight and why?  
Uhmmm, why are we street fighting? Nope! I need these hands for typing stories and playing the piano. Ali talked about being fast and pretty but I'm only pretty so no street fighting for me!

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ABOUT #CapeTownMag10Q:
CapeTownMagazine.com’s 10 Questions project gets to know some of the Mother City’s most creative and inspiring people. From television personalities and musicians to politicians and entrepreneurs, we find out more about well-known and up-and-coming Capetonians. You can follow #CapeTownMag10Q on Twitter and Facebook to track recent interviews or read more here about our other awesome 10 Questions candidates.

A FEW OF OUR OTHER 10Q CANDIDATES:

10 Questions For Cape Town-based Author Bevan Frank

10 Questions For Cape Town-based Stand-up Comedian Yaaseen Barnes

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