Kayise Ngqula emerged as the winner of Our Perfect Wedding after a hard fought battle with six other finalists on the Mzansi Magic reality show last night.
The spunky Ngqula, 26, from Johannesburg joins an exclusive league of presenters who bring to life wedding celebrations to television screens every Sunday night.
Moments after her crowning, Ngqula, who is a niece of radio and television veteran Dicksy Ngqula, was at a loss for words.
"This moment in my life has really left me speechless. It's a feeling I cannot explain accurately," Ngqula said.
She said she had put in the hours and honed her craft but took nothing for granted.
"You never know until this moment. I'm excited. This is the beginning of my life. Everything I have dreamed of and worked for begins now."
She said Our Perfect Wedding would expand her skills as an artist. She has starred in a few films, including iLifa, on Mzansi Magic.
"The magnitude of the programme and the channel and what they do for people like myself wanting to launch a career, speak for themselves."
Kayise is spunky enough for OPW
Kayise Ngqula emerged as the winner of Our Perfect Wedding after a hard fought battle with six other finalists on the Mzansi Magic reality show last night.
The spunky Ngqula, 26, from Johannesburg joins an exclusive league of presenters who bring to life wedding celebrations to television screens every Sunday night.
Moments after her crowning, Ngqula, who is a niece of radio and television veteran Dicksy Ngqula, was at a loss for words.
"This moment in my life has really left me speechless. It's a feeling I cannot explain accurately," Ngqula said.
She said she had put in the hours and honed her craft but took nothing for granted.
"You never know until this moment. I'm excited. This is the beginning of my life. Everything I have dreamed of and worked for begins now."
She said Our Perfect Wedding would expand her skills as an artist. She has starred in a few films, including iLifa, on Mzansi Magic.
"The magnitude of the programme and the channel and what they do for people like myself wanting to launch a career, speak for themselves."
She believed her originality endeared her to viewers.
"I showed viewers that I'm more than just a Xhosa girl because I know a lot of viewers were concerned about that, but I expanded because I wanted everybody to feel worthy of watching the programme when I present.
"I paid attention to every detail, my image, my delivery and remained authentic."
Ngqula promises to dazzle on screen.
"Fun is part of me. Maybe I didn't show that a lot on the show because there is so much pressure, but I'll bring fun and a solid support system for the bridal couple and families I'm going to see. I'm somebody who vests her heart and feelings in everything I do, and I know people will love how I give, because I give what the people want. Ke tla ba fa ... (I will give it to them)
As for the taxing long hours on the road shooting, Ngqula, who is studying international relations and politics at the University of Johannesburg said she was ready.
She believes that OPW is a step to even bigger things.
"This opens up many opportunities and I know that it's going to take me further, probably even beyond our borders. Being chosen by viewers makes me feel worthy. They saw and deemed me worthy enough to be here right now, I'm so grateful."
She also thanked Dicksy for his role as her mentor.
"I can't go on without mentioning my mother too. She has been there through thick and thin and I really wish she could be here with me, I know wherever she is, she is (watching the recording)," Ngqula said.
"It's a lot of pressure. A lot of people are looking at me to maintain the standard this programme has set."
Nondumiso Mabece, Mzansi Magic's head of public relations, commented: "We look forward to working with Kayise and believe the country will fall in love with her talent as she presents OPW from January 2018."