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Yvonne Katsande is among the top actresses to emerge from Zimbabwe. She is smart, determined, and unapologetic; traits that have made her a success not only in Zimbabwe but beyond the borders. From the South African soap “Generations” to regional documentaries and being behind the camera with top South African politicians, what exactly drives the lady?

The Herald Entertainment’s Brenda Phiri (BP) speaks to Yvonne Katsande (YK) about her new career as a television anchor, acting and everything else that makes her tick.

BP: How long have you been in South Africa and are you permanently based there?
YK: I have been in SA since 2009 and for now it is home.

BP: About your career on television (anchor and TV production), how did that come about and how are you coping in such a competitive environment?
YK: I have always had a passion on Television and Film from a very young age. I remember standing in front of the mirror and ‘‘doing my thing’’. Competition is good; it keeps me on my toes. I thrive on it, hence the good success. I also attribute it to God’s grace.

BP: We have seen you in South African productions like Generations and HIV/Aids documentary, which other television ventures have you been involved in?
YK: I have done a few productions in Botswana, Nigeria, and Kenya including recent offers that are still under negotiation.

BP: Comparing acting and anchoring, what are you mostly passionate about?
YK: Woow, that’s like asking a mother of two which of her children is her favourite. I love them both and can never separate the two.

BP: Your acting prowess is quiet impressive, did you attend any acting schools or acting training at any point in your life?
YK: If standing in front of the mirror and acting out my own roles and imaging being in Hollywood counts, then yes!
However, I believe passion and natural talent have attributed greatly to the success I currently enjoy. I do however, advocate and encourage people to study for whatever career path they choose to follow. Education is key and it opens doors to many more things.

BP: When was your first role in broadcasting?
YK: (Chuckles,) You want to sell out my age . . . , however, it was a talent search programme on radio and I came third. I was singing with my sister.

BP: Tell me about your accent, it is fluent and “English”, what do you attribute to this?
YV: (big smile) What do you expect, I am a proud Zimbabwean, fully educated in Zimbabwe. And I thank my President, Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe, I have always enjoyed listening to him deliver speeches and imitated him, there we go. I also strongly believe that he has gone all out to ensure that Zimbabweans got quality education and I benefited greatly from that.

BP: You are making an impression in South Africa, what is next after this, Hollywood?
YV: (Big laugh and chuckles) I am grateful for the success and quite humbled by it. I love Africa very much and enjoy the collaborations I do across the African continent, Hollywood is a big stage and I believe I am ready for it.

BP: What is the driving force behind you to be able to achieve all you have?
YK: God in His totality is the greatest contributor to my achievement. I believe that if you work hard, you will prosper. Determination and perseverance are my key strengths, when I put my mind to something I don’t give up until success is achieved. There is no retreat or surrender when it comes to success. I say go big or go home.

BP: What will it take to get you onto a production especially in Zimbabwe right now?
YK: A well organised professional production, a good script and concept and of course the right price will get me onto almost any production, regardless of where it is. I am a world citizen and I love travelling and being in different places almost all the time.

BP: So being a star, what do you do to keep yourself level-headed?
YV: I pray and meditate a lot, I also love working out and keeping fit. I believe a healthy body and mind create balance which equates to sanity in my life. It’s a lifestyle of discipline, eating right and staying away from toxic people and situations.

BP: Are you married or in a relationship? Kids?
YK: (chuckles and smiles) I am fiercely protective of my personal life. I give so much of myself to the world through television and film. It’s important that I have a place of ‘‘refuge’’ from the public eye and my personal life remains personal.

BP: Anything else you want Zimbabwe and the world to know about Yvonne?
YP: I am passionate about life; I have a zeal for contributing towards the success of others where I can.
An exciting project to that effect is coming up for Zimbabwe, it’s very close to my heart and personal. They should keep reading The Herald to get the ‘‘exclusive’’.