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Robert Marawa
Vuyo Mbuli
A TV presenters who ruled the roost in the ‘90s The ‘90s boom of TV presenters has made them the most famous personalities in the country, with people like Sandy Ngema, the late Vuyo Mbuli, Ashley Hayden becoming household names and almost part of the family with many, writes BUHLE MBONAMBI
S MUCH as we love our actors and musicians, there’s something about TV presenters that gets us all excited. If you asked a number of people what they would be doing if they were in the entertainment industry, they will likely say “TV presenter.” Being a presenter means you can’t hide behind a character, like an actor does. You have to be likeable and make us feel like you are our friend. And that’s what the TV channels got right in the ‘90s when the continuity presenters ruled the roost on TV. Some of the continuity presenters from SABC1, SABC2, SABC3, and M-Net have stayed on our radar, and have managed to keep their fame and jobs in the industry. Others have fallen off, but since their impact was so great, we have to also pay tribute to them. GERRY ELSDON Elsdon was one of the most recognisable faces in the ‘90s, thanks to being a continuity presenter on SABC3, and later on, M-Net. But did you know that she has a background in politics? She worked for the ANC in the early ‘90s and was in the committee that helped the party’s entry into governing. She moved to hosting other shows, including Big Brother South Africa, being a TV producer, became a magazine editor and an in-demand MC. CLAIRE MAWISA When we talk about a multihyphenate, Mawisa is one of them. A model-turned-broadcaster, Mawisa has been able to stay on top of the TV game for more than two decades. She
