Saftas replace best soapie with new category

TV presenters are increasingly getting as much respect as some of the country’s top actors, if not more.

This is perhaps one of the reasons why the SA Film and Television Awards, (Saftas) organisers have decided to make best TV presenter the only category voted for by the public. Among the nominees are Katlego Maboe, Bonang Matheba and Johan Stemmet, who have all raised the bar when it comes to the job, which has often been regarded as child’s play.

“Being a TV presenter is definitely not as easy as it looks,” says Maboe, who is nominated for SABC 3’s Expresso. “You always have to be at your best because there is always someone ready and waiting to replace you.”

Maboe’s strength is the fact he is inherently an entertainer, giving him a big advantage over the presenter who prides himself on his ability to read. “I used to be in an a cappella group called Flip a Coin,” he says. “This is how I learned to not only speak to the audience, but also to make them feel comfortable and entertain them.

FILE PICTURE: Katlego Maboe. Picture: Supplied

“When we were performing as a group we would crack jokes in between songs and explain the meaning behind the songs as well. I became really comfortable with being on stage.” According to Maboe, the biggest mistake any up-and-coming presenter can do is chase fame.

“Fame is not all it’s cracked up to be. You get invitations to cool events, but that’s about it. It’s important to find a purpose which is larger than fame.” Maboe’s purpose is to inspire.

“I have a younger sister who is currently in matric,” he says. “I want to show her and other young people that with hard work it is possible to do what you love and fulfil your dreams.” Speaking on some of the biggest cahllenges for TV presenters, Maboe says: “Merging the creative side with business side.

“It’s easy to just focus on the creative side of being a presenter, but if you want to make a career out of this you can’t ignore the business side. “As a presenter you are offered a lot of jobs, it’s important to choose the ones you believe can give you longevity in the industry.”