A chat with Sinolwazi April from Nelson Mandela Bay - a Youtuber, Fashionista, Digital Content Creator and PR Officer. Simultaneously, Sinolwazi is an entrepreneur in the confectionery industry. On our one on one she speaks about her background, youth challenges in Mzansi and more.
Who is Sinolwazi April can you give us a brief background: Sinolwazi April is a 28 year old, soon turning 29 in April. She was born, bread and buttered in Kariega formerly known as Uitenhage. She is a Media, Communications, Culture graduate and currently part of the Multichoice Creator incubator programme for 2022/2023. Miss April is a hard-working, enthusiastic and passionate creative. She is also the owner of Sino's Delicious Delights, which is a home-baked business that was birth during Covid 19.
Growing up, what has been your main motivation? "Growing up my motivation has always been to build a better life for myself and my family. I have never wanted to be statistic of poverty. I’ve always dreamt big and wanted to be one of the people in my community to become and make a success of my life".
Do you have a role model that motivates you through their work and what do they do? "I do not have 1 role model but I have a lot of people that I draw inspiration from. I gravitate towards people who come from humble beginnings, whoever have worked hard for the life they have. So, I look at my life and where I want to go and find people in that space for inspiration".
What could be the main challenges that you think the youth is facing today? "Unemployment is definitely the main challenge that the youth is facing. The unemployment rate in the Nelson Mandela Bay alone is 37% last I checked".
What are you career highlights? "I’ve been fortunate to have dabbled with a bit of everything in my character this far. I’ve been on TV. Radio, print media, worked as a PR and marketing intern. Being a news reporter in 2016, writing for The Weekend Argus and having over 60 published articles has to be my highlight this far".
What did you enjoy about working for a TV station? "Meeting people from different walks of life is what I enjoyed the most about being on TV. I love people, connecting with them and hearing their stories brings me joy".
Lastly, please give a word of advice to the Youth of South Africa coming from a similar background as you. "To the youth of South Africa coming from a disadvantage background such as myself. Don’t let your situation or background determine your destination. Don’t be a victim of your circumstances. You can rise above it and make something out of your life. Don’t wait for things to be handed to you. Go out there and create opportunities for yourself. Believe in yourself and know that you can do anything and everything you put your mind to".