The biggest challenges bring the greatest rewards. Six SA celebs share the lessons they’ve learnt through adversity. By Delia du Toit.

EMO ADAMS, SINGER AND ACTOR
On growing up in Mitchell’s Plain in the Cape Flats…

What was it like growing up there?
It was awesome. My best childhood memories are of waking up late for school as usual, then eating cereal for breakfast while mom heats up our clothes in the oven in winter. It contributed to who I am today and showed me what sacrifice and humility are all about.

How did you go from there to becoming a successful performer?
I always dreamt big and pushed my limits. My parents are funny people, so despite being poor we were always happy and laughing. I was always on a stage, performing, and I loved it.

Was it hard?
Things didn’t always go my way and there were ups and downs, but I knew it wasn’t supposed to be easy. It never got me down and my parents kept me motivated by setting a good example and always trying to improve our circumstances.

What did growing up in the Flats teach you?
That we have a choice in life and don’t have to accept our circumstances.

Words of advice?
Do everything in your power to make your dreams come true. Yes, it won’t always be easy and you’ll make mistakes. But when you fall, try to do it with your face up so you can keep going.

NICO PANAGIO, ACTOR AND PRESENTER
On starting his acting career as a sauce promoter…

Tell us about your first paid gig as an actor?
I was paid to stand in a supermarket and pretend to be Luigi, the Italian chef. I had to speak with an Italian accent and sell pasta sauce, which was all fine until the Italian customers started speaking the lingo … I’m Greek!

What was it like as a first ‘role’?
Well, the pay was good so it was exciting, but that was soon dampened by the strange appearance of every girl I’d ever had a crush on! The early days of my career were tough, exciting and hard work, but I sometimes still feel like I’m trying to break into the market.

What did you learn during that time?
Be an intellectual sponge – soak it all in. You can learn from the youngest to the oldest person you meet, you just need to be open and aware. Ultimately though, you must trust yourself – and to do so you must first know yourself.

Words of advice?
An artist is at his most creative when his art is all he has, so embrace the tough times. It’s important to realise that few artists around the world make fortunes from what they do, the wealth lies in the fulfilment of their passion. The novelty of ‘fame’ also soon disappears, so when it does, you’d better love what you do!

HLUBI MBOYA, ACTRESS
On competing in Strictly Come Dancing…

Did you enjoy the experience?
It was the best time of my life and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I met so many wonderful people, and I loved the costumes and the new skills I learnt. Plus, I was in my best shape ever!

What was your training schedule like?
Rigorous. We trained for six hours a day, six days a week at first, then nine hours daily because of the competition pressure. And then on the seventh night of the week we competed in the show. I had to drop every-thing else, even my charity work, and my character on Isidingo, Nandipha, went away for a while.

What was it like being voted off?
I was devastated! I cried and slept for three days and didn’t even answer my phone. Then I got back to the real world and moved on. Such is life. I still feel blessed for the time I had there.

What did the experience teach you?
How far you can actually push body and mind – no pain, no gain. And that it’s really impor-tant to do something you’re passionate about every day. Dancing literally set my soul free and that filtered through to other areas of my life.

Words of advice?
If you’re going through a tough time, persevere. Believe in yourself and never give up – be a hero. And love what you do.

LIEZEL VAN DER WESTHUIZEN, PRESENTER AND ACTRESS
On being the first female Idols SA presenter…

How did you get the job?
I was asked to attend the auditions. There were so many other top presenters and I had the flu, plus a weird Mohican haircut after a photo shoot that morning. I thought I had no hope! Then I got to the second round, where we had a script that I hadn’t had time to learn. I decided to improvise and just enjoy myself, and obviously it worked. Getting the job was surreal, I was so chuffed!

Is it hard work?
Very. We shoot Idols from early morning to late at night, three times a week, plus I also have my job as DJ at Jacaranda FM, I present Sound Check Live and I’m acting in a movie called Skyf. It’s crazy hectic!

Is it worth it?
Oh, absolutely. It’s an amazing experience and I go home smiling every night. There’s so much talent in South Africa and the team working on the show is great – they even gave me time off to participate in the Iron Man triathlon series recently.

What has it taught you?
Not to take myself too seriously. I’ve had people criticise me, I’ve ummed and ahhed on stage, and I’ve made mistakes. But I just have fun and ignore the critics. It’s definitely made me stronger.

Words of advice?
When you are going through a tough time, whether it’s criticism or just being really busy, keep going. There’s always an end to tough times!

GIGI, EXOTIC DANCER
On winning Survivor SA Santa Carolina…

What was it like on the island?
Much worse than it looked! We were incredibly hungry all the time, I couldn’t even think of anything else. Plus, you’re constantly cold, dirty, stinky and itchy from the sand flea bites. Add to that the conniving contestants and tropical storms. I really didn’t know what I’d let myself in for!

How did you push through and win?
I just kept telling myself to stay on the island as long as I possibly could. Just one day at a time.

Was it worth it?
It was incredibly rewarding. Winning was fantastic, but I also gained a lot spiritually.

What did you learn?
How important it is to feel like you belong. I now make a point of making people feel like they fit in wherever I am. At work, I’ve gotten to know everyone, from the dancers to the ladies in the scullery, and I always ask them how they’re doing. People are more productive and happier when they know they matter. I’ve also learnt to listen before just jumping in and doing.

Words of advice?
Believe in yourself and your strength. Just push through – the worst times also come to an end!

PIERRE SPIES, RUGBY PLAYER
On the almost career-ending blood clots in his lungs in 2007…

What went through your mind when your career was in the balance?
It made me realise how fragile our lives and lifestyles are, more so as a [rugby] player. You can be on top one day and booted the next because of an injury or illness. But I trusted in God’s plan for my life, even if that wasn’t as a rugby player any more.

How did you recover?
I kept fit by going to the gym often and riding my bike. I tried to isolate myself for a while to get my head in the right place and stay positive. My wife, who was my girlfriend then, was a fantastic support.

What was it like jogging on to the field again?
I was just so glad to be able to play again. God performed a miracle in my life and deserves all the honour.

What did it teach you?
Nothing is guaranteed, so make the most of every day. It taught me to surround myself with positive people to stay strong in tough times.

Words of advice?
We were all created winners. There will be hardships in life, but we can handle them because we were created to do so.