Hopa loves the excitement and energy of Jozi

Prosecutor and model Thando Hopa talks about what she loves most about her home suburb, Lenasia South

TWENTY-three-year-old prosecutor Thando Hopa turned the stereotype tables over when she was featured at the SA Fashion Week held at Rosebank's Crowne Plaza Hotel in Johannesburg recently.

Hopa, who is now the face of designer Gert-Johan Coetzee's new Winter-Autumn 2013 collection, spoke to Sowetan about why she thinks South Africa is great and what she loves most about her home town, Lenasia South in Gauteng.

What is your fondest memory about Lenasia South?

I loved how easy it was to be young. I played in the park, played games outside, ate multi-coloured chips and was addicted to fireballs. I enjoyed growing up in this idyllic place.

Favourite hair salon in Lenasia South?

I was never loyal to any particular salon. My cousins and friends styled my hair and as I grew older, I started doing my own hair.

What culture is unique to Lenasia South?

Eid and Diwali definitely stands out for me. Our neighbours would bring us all sorts of delicious food, very colourful-looking food.

I loved the fireworks at Diwali. The sky would be glowing with streams of different coloured lights.

The festivities, although they stem from different religions, brought about a sense of community for me.

Any popular myths or legends about Lenasia South?

There was one about a character called Pinky Pinky. This was a general myth though and not particular to Lenasia South.

I heard that Pinky Pinky lived in the toilet and attacked you there when you wore pink underwear. We kids were very frightened of this creature.

What is your favourite city and why?

Johannesburg. The city has a vibe of ambition and excitement. Joburg never rests and I love its youthfulness and because its drenched in energy.

Number one shisanyama?

Midcorner Zone14 at Sebokeng. This place serves great meat and you always meet great company and can listen to great music. One can never go wrong with that combination.

Where are you based now?

Walkerville, south of Johannesburg. It's quiet, annoyingly so at times, but it's a good place for tranquility.

The small town is like rehab from the Joburg buzz.

Which cities have you travelled to for leisure?

Port Elizabeth, Durban and Bloemfontein. Yes, I need to travel more.

What is your favourite spot for hanging out?

I don't actually have a favourite. It depends on my mood actually. I could be rocking at Ragga Night at Bassline, Newtown in Jozi if I feel like breaking a sweat, or chilling at Capellos in that city just to relax with good company.

What is the furthest you have travelled to, to crack a case?

From the courtroom to my office is how far I have travelled. Quite honestly, my cases are not that complex and don't require me to leave the courtroom.

A prosecutor should not really engage in investigations. But I sure hope to find cases eventually that will allow me to move around, to prove a case.

What is your No 1 item on your "places to see before I die" list?

Disneyland.

What are your views about the state of the SA today?

I find it difficult not to love this country. We have liberal laws, diverse cultures and a relatively stable economy. Despite the increasing challenges we face, our country is progressive.

This article was first published in the printed newspaper on 8 October 2012