BEHIND the glamour, confidence and fabulous outfits is a woman with big dreams.
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MC, presenter, entrepreneur and LGBTQI activist Ofentse Mathope, aka Mawisa, from Mabopane in Tshwane, is determined to take her brand beyond Mzansi’s borders.
Known for her vibrant personality, hosting skills and advocacy for LGBTQI rights, the 36-year-old Mawisa said she’s entering a new chapter focused on growth, bigger platforms, and creating opportunities for others.
Mawisa will bring her energy and elegance to the stage as host of Shorts and Shades at Soshanguve Hotel on 28 November 2026, where she hopes to create an atmosphere in which everyone feels welcomed, celebrated and included.
But while many people know her for her glamorous lifestyle and confidence, she said there’s much more to her than what they see at events and on social media.
“People sometimes mistake my confidence and glamorous lifestyle for arrogance or assume that everything comes easily to me. There’s so much more to Mawisa than what people see on social media or at events,” she said.
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She describes herself as a dreamer, hard worker and entrepreneur who has experienced disappointments and difficult seasons while building her name.
Her journey has also taught her the importance of self-love and embracing her identity without seeking approval.
“My journey has taught me that self-love is not something you negotiate with the world. You have to be comfortable with who you are, even when others struggle to understand you,” she said.
Mawisa said being authentic matters more than trying to fit in where you’re not accepted.
Looking ahead, she hopes to explore more television and radio presenting opportunities, expand her events portfolio and grow the Mawisa brand.
She’s also passionate about creating platforms for emerging creatives.
While she believes South Africa has incredible talent, she said the entertainment industry needs stronger collaboration, professionalism, fair compensation, and sustainable opportunities.
Her mantra remains: from Mabopane to the world, and she believes her biggest chapters are still ahead.
“The vision remains bigger than the circumstances,” she said.
