Interview with - Mandisa Mgidi who is a young artist and worshipper of God.

Mandisa Mgidi - a young artist!

Who is Mandisa?

Mandisa is a young woman, an artist, a daughter a sister, a fiancé and a friend to some.

Where is Mandisa from?

I'm from a township called Daveyton in Etwatwa West. That's where I grew up with my grandparents, Philemon and Louisa Mgidi.

Mandisa Mgidi - with a painting she did for a kids show!

Tell us about your fondest childhood memories.

My fondest memories have to be those that I spent with my family. Growing up, I was groomed by my aunt, who is my mother’s elder sister. She is like my second mother, well third to my grandmother. I remember her taking me with, when she went to go work as a maid in the suburbs. Seeing all those big houses, it was all to me - a different world compared to what I was exposed to.

Some of my other fondest childhood memories will have to have been from my days in primary, when I began playing sports, my gran coming to watch me play. That for me was priceless. I also remember being part of the school concerts, those for me were my humble begins, that's where the love of art began.

Tell us about your ministries.

I am a worshiper; I believe the word worshiper sums it all up. In a nutshell, I sing at church. For me it’s something I do without drawing back, when it’s time to praise God I give it my all. This is my way of giving back to God, as his word says that he is seated in our praise.

I also act. This is something I began at a young age, I began acting in Primary. I attended classes at Sibikwa. I remember performing in one of their plays at a very tender age. Even though I don't do it full time, its still, something I love and would love to grow in.

Lol I also paint, well I'm studying towards being a decor painter or rather my field of study entails such. This is something I've always had in me, but it’s only now where I actually have someone grooming me and teaching me all that I've come to know.

Mandi says painting taught her patience!

If anything painting and sketching are one of the many things in my life that have taught me to be patient. Sometimes I don't even see the beauty of what I'm painting, but I just have to keep on adding the colours until I'm happy with what I see. At times I don't get it right the first time, and I just have to try again, fix what I had done wrong and do my best to b happy with what I see - those to me are life lessons that I can apply in my daily life.

What inspires you to dedicate yourself so much to these ministries?

The idea of being a better person, of growing and knowing more is what inspires me to dedicate myself. I truly believe in hard work, devoting yourself in anything will benefit.

The fact that God has chosen to give me the ability to exist within these ministries is yet another reason why I dedicate myself. I think he has trusted me with so much talent and skill; the least I can do is dedicate and apply myself to what I do..

What are the joys or challenges that come with it?

Like anything else in life, not every day is the same, some are better than others. But beyond everything my mind is always on the final goal, which to me brings so much joy. Just the joy of knowing that I was able to complete something, be it a painting, a song a script or whatever... That for me is enough.

Who inspires you?

God is my number 1 inspiration; I believe he has trusted me with so much and I plan not to let him down.

My family. My grandmother has always believed in me, even at times when I was down and out, she has always been able to see the best in me. My mother is that one person who has always been truthful to me. She's been there since day 1. If there's anything I have learned from my mother, it is to never be afraid to dream - no matter the size of the dream, it will never be bigger than God. All things are possible.

A painting by Mandisa of her two favorite women - her gran and soon to be mother-in-law!

Mandisa's fiance - Sammy Macingwane Mchunu!

 I'm also inspired by my fiancé - very soon to be husband.  I love him dearly and I've been greatly influenced by him. If anything, he has taught me about attitude. That things are only as bad as you make them. I remember I use to break down at the sight of problems, but he came into my life and together we learned how not to wait for the storm to end, but rather to dance in the rain. Lastly, he embodies the personification of trusting God. I don’t remember a day where I saw him in doubt. I thank God for him and look forward to spending the rest of my life with him.

 The people whom I minister to are also an inspiration. Every day I try to become a better. Become better musically, because I know that someone somewhere might find healing in my voice. Every time I sing, be it for 10 or 1000 people, I do it like I have never done it before because I understand that God uses me. It might be for a nation or for that one person who will find salvation through my ministry.

What does it mean to be a young woman of God to you?

Being a young woman of God means I have a duty to represent God in all that I do, it also means that I am assured of the love of God in all situation of life.

What are your dreams?

Mandi doin her thing - beautiful!

I dream of buying a big house by the beach, with many cars. Lol. I'm kidding. I have so many dreams... I'll share a few...My dream above everything is that I may fulfill everything in my life according to the will of God. I am currently studying Performing Arts Technology. I plan on becoming a Lecturer within my field of study.

Because of my love for performance, I'd love to go into the theatre as a performer. My fiancé and I also plan on going into events. We have already started a company, planning kiddies’ parties, it’s fun and makes kids happy lol.

I also would love to grow as a minister. Have my ministry influence more than just my immediate environment.

What are your favorite things in life?

 Ice cream, winter, summer or spring time... I love ice cream.

Shoes, this might just be my life time fetish.
Music...this just does something to me, I always fail to put it into words...

What’s your motto?

The motto I live by is 'Do your best, God will do the rest'

Any advice for the ladies out there?

Something for the ladies - be true to you and to God. Remember how special you are. You are of a chosen generation, of a holy nation and a royal priesthood, a very peculiar people. Don't sell yourself short.  In everything, remember God loves you. If all else fails, read your bible.

Please share a bit about you and your fiancé.

I met my partner, who is now my fiancé, in 2009.Well I had always known him, but we only started a relationship then. I believe that from the first day I could tell he was a keeper. We got engaged this year in May and I have to say that from day one he has been such a blessing. Now that I think about it I think it is very true that a woman marries a guy similar to her father, he is just as humble.

Beautiful Mandisa!

In closing?

I thank God for the life I have. From one challenge to the next, he has been my keeper. Looking back I can never say how I made it this far, it’s all by the grace of God. Therefore in all that I do I will continue to trust and honour God.