She’s played a lawyer fighting for the rights of others, but in 2020 Celeste Khumalo is a hero in real life too.
Viewers will most likely recognise Khumalo for playing human rights lawyer Bulelwa in Generations: The Legacy or the role of Kholwa on the Showmax original The Girl from St. Agnes or as the 2011 winner of Miss South Africa Teen. But this year, the Sunninghill resident will be focusing on building the interior design business she started with her mother and also helping young children gain access to education.
“I’ve been living in Sunninghill for about a year now,” she told the Fourways Review. “I got tired of renting and decided to buy in the area because it’s quiet but still central. My house is a bit of a fixer-upper, so I’ve been busy with renovations.
“In 2020, I want to focus on giving back. I’ve gotten together with Sithanda Upliftment Projects [an organisation that aims to provide early childhood development centres to communities in need].”
Together, Khumalo and Sithanda have identified a primary school in a rural village in KwaZulu-Natal that needs help. Soon work will begin on refurbishing the school and also building sports facilities on the grounds.
A cause close to her heart, Khumalo decided to get involved in this kind of charity work because she believes a love of learning starts young.
“The issue of tertiary education is on our radar with things like the fees-must-fall movement but early education is also important.
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“I believe that the inspiration to study begins early, and we should be doing everything we can to encourage it. I want to prevent children from impoverished communities from dropping out, because how can they go to university if they didn’t even finish primary school?”
For herself, Khumalo will keep an eye out for interesting acting opportunities, while also focusing on Matriarch Interiors, an interior design company that she began with her mother Nomsa in 2018.
“This year, we’d like to focus on developing the company, which focuses on decorating spaces.”
And her advice for others in the new year? “2019 was an amazing year and I hope and feel like this year will be even better for me. My advice to readers for the new year is: trust your gut. A lot of things happen to you, but if you trust your gut you’ll be able to find yourself.”
To find out more about what Celeste Khumalo is up to, follow her on social media channels Twitter and Instagram.
Details: www.sithanda.org
