Stand-up comic Khanyisile Ngwenya was bullied in childhood for being differently-abled — however, with self-acceptance she has confidently channelled that have into her craft.
The 39-year-old is having the final snicker as one of many nominees on the twelfth Annual Savanna Comics’ Alternative Comedy Awards, which is about to stage on Saturday 12 April on the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef Metropolis, Joburg.
The Soweto-born entertainer has been nominated for the coveted Savanna Newcomer Award alongside Daniele Du Plessis, Keketso Hutamo, Ngosa Kangwa and Wesley King.
Ngwenya,who has been dwelling with osteogenesis imperfecta, a uncommon genetic dysfunction that makes bones skinny and brittle, spoke to Sowetan.
The place have been you if you came upon about your nomination?
I switched off my social media notifications as a result of I knew the announcement was going to be at midday distracted myself additional by passing the time at a colleague’s desk. Once I returned to my desk, I realised my cellphone was blowing up. Once I seemed, it was textual content messages from individuals congratulating me on the nomination. I couldn’t imagine it, a complete me!
What does this nod imply to you?
The nomination validates that I’m in the fitting place and heading in the right direction. My life has been a rollercoaster journey, however to me it’s been a good looking one. I’ve needed to take care of lots of exterior noise, however most of it additionally comes from inside. At occasions, you assume you received’t measure up, however such recognition reminds you that you’re greater than what you assume or what you see within the mirror.
How did you get to this second?
Being born and dwelling in Soweto with the situation that I’ve wasn’t straightforward. When my mom gave delivery to me, many of the bones in my physique have been damaged, and the possibilities of my surviving have been slim. The medical doctors have been simply ready for me to die. [After waiting with me in the hospital for two weeks], my mom took me dwelling, nursed me and made positive I cherished myself for who I’m and the way I used to be born.
Rising up within the township was exhausting. Folks would snicker and mock me. I might at all times get dwelling crying due to what somebody stated, however my mom would remind me how particular I’m. And with this nomination, it clearly means I’ve bought one thing to provide to the world.
