Passionate and outgoing, Zaba Mokoena’s tiny frame belies a massive smile and infectious laugh.
Zaba was born in Mbombela, but says she was so lucky to have grown up in different parts of our beautiful country. She was exposed to varied elements of the arts from an early age, which instilled in her a creative affinity that shines through in everything she does.
“As kids, we always had something on the go!” she laughs. “I remember my mom driving my siblings and me to pottery classes, ballet lessons, and even rhythmic gymnastics, where we were trained by a coach from Russia, who actually got us to compete at national level.”
School itself was no different, and Zaba found herself involved in public speaking, drama, poetry and debate. “This is what led up to my love of and passion for arts and communications and my role in it, which is to help anyone who is looking for exposure in their field,” she says. “The arts allow free expression of our natural talents, and culture is a form of identity. The two are a baseline in my belief to building a society and community that can empower each other.” Zaba participates in a number of school programmes at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), amongst them mentoring, tutoring and writing assistance on an academic level.
Zaba is also part of the UMP Model Society, which she laughingly says is not something she ever thought she’d be involved in, but somehow found herself in the mix. “I’m not a model,” she laughs. “My family is conservative, so it’s one space my mother never exposed me to. But it’s all about self-expression and the ability to explore your identity freely. UMP Models approached me, asking me to put together a pageant for the university students, and it was an amazing experience, although an incredible amount of hard work.”
University students go through a great deal of challenges, and the transition into adulthood is a big step. To discover yourself on a personal scale while also navigating the future, requires a safe and enabling environment. This, Zaba explains, is what arts and culture gave to her. “It may not be everyone’s cup of tea,” she smiles, “but a friend once said to me, when a good wave comes your way, jump on and don’t be afraid to pull everyone on with you, and enjoy the ride! That’s kind of what happened when I got involved in radio. The bottom line is that I believe things come together as they should. I enjoy communications and naturally gravitated to those spaces. This led to me hosting and presenting on digital platforms, radio and local TV. A humbling experience that helped me to find and express my voice. I hope to always do the same for others.”
Zaba is also currently studying a BSc in agriculture, ultimately working towards her master’s. She stresses she is not a farmer, but an agricultural scientist. “I find myself having to say that a lot,” she says. “The field of agriculture is huge, and we have so many different roles to play. My path into this field comes from my passion for food, the tastes, aromas and textures – they all speak to me. I don’t know if I would call myself a foodie, but I’m brave enough to explore different meals, and that comes from my background of growing up in many different cultural spaces.
“Everything I do stems from passion – how I speak, how I work and even how I cook. I love cooking,” she adds. “And baking, and experimenting with food. As an agricultural scientist, you always wonder, how can I do this better? My sisters and I would bake from an early age, so the kitchen is a happy and safe space for us.”
As an agribusiness major, Zaba explains that being a part of improving food systems requires the science of better understanding the entire food chain, from seed to plate. While people may view this as a traditionally male-dominated field, this feisty young woman is determined to prove otherwise. “I think it’s fair to say women have shown we are just as capable as men,” she laughs. “It’s a wonderful field for women to go into. In fact, there are quite a lot of females doing it. It’s a space that still needs recognition, not only for the role women play in producing food, but preparing and serving a glorious meal for loved ones every night.”
Adversity, adds Zaba, exists everywhere. It’s in staying positive and showing up with courage and bravery for what you believe in, that allows you to face any challenges, regardless of gender, race, culture or any other term. “These labels are merely words used by society to lessen the value of your contribution. My dad taught me this, in between teaching me how to change a tyre and replace the oil myself. We embrace and respect tradition, but we also make new traditions all the time.”
Zaba is exceptionally close to her family. Her strength, courage and bravery all come down to the foundation they have helped her build. Her strongest memories come from her mum packing her lunch and taking her to her numerous extramural activities, and her dad always leaving her with parting words regarding the importance of character. “My family never shied away from encouraging me to go full-steam ahead for what I believed in. My siblings are no different – both my biggest critics and loudest cheerleaders!”
The essence of our culture, she explains, stems from home. Understanding that the love and support you receive is what allows you to work towards helping others. Zaba mentions the many people who have helped her towards achieving her dreams, a list so long it might take forever, she smiles. “I’m a believer in positive energy, and I attract amazing people who have played amazing roles in helping me to reach my dreams. Friends, colleagues, and of course my family, in the wisdom, knowledge and support they offer. I’m a firm believer that it takes a village … you need a team to stand behind you.”
This is her truest inspiration, people and the stories of their journey. The experiences, success or challenges of others allow her to sit and reflect on her own space, on who she is and where she sees herself going. “The Gemini in me often debates what I love best, being around people and living through the engagement of social development amongst young women; or being in nature, especially near water,” Zaba says. “I’m a water baby, I draw the feeling of home from being in natural water elements like waterfalls and the ocean.”
Zaba definitely lives her philosophy, which is ‘Be you, unapologetically. Take up space and be proud to be a South African woman!’ We’ll be keeping an eye on her. If her passion and determination thus far are anything to go by, we expect she’ll not only catch that wave, but reach the stars in the process.
Photographer: Belinda Erasmus – Belle Grace Photography
Photographer: Géran Raath – Géran Raath Photography
Make-up: Elsabé Steyn – Elsabé Steyn Styling Studio
Venue: Orange Restaurant, Mbombela
