With age comes wisdom, they say. But they seldom mention the accompanying slowing metabolism and wrinkles… Delia du Toit chatted to a few of SA’s female celebs to find out what their age means to them.


TWENTIES

TAMMY-ANNE FORTUIN (29), PRESENTER AND PRODUCER
Being in my 20s means I’m in good health, though I wish I could get more exercise! My career takes precedence and I’ve learnt not to apologise for that. I don’t have a romantic relationship, but I am enjoying the craziest, most beautiful relationship with myself right now and learning valuable things.
The best thing about being this age is that you’re not as naive as you were in your teens, but still have very few obligations, such as marriage or children. It’s great to grow tired of unreal people and figure yourself out!
The worst part is that despite being young and almost at the start of your career, you still have to pay tax and keep house, and you don’t have an excuse to do foolish things.
I’ve learnt not to sweat the small stuff and to remember that success is a journey, not a destination.
I look forward to getting older. Age is a blessing and the wisdom and life experience it brings is very valuable. But the trick is to be present now and to enjoy every moment, because it goes by so quickly.

LINDIWE SUTTLE (LATE 20S), SINGER AND FASHION DESIGNER
Being in my 20s means I get to start living my dreams. Music and fashion are my biggest passions and it’s important for me to dream big, but also find ways to pursue those dreams. My debut album, The One We’ve Been Waiting For, will be released in September and my fashion line is also on its way soon.
The best thing about being this age is your fearless attitude to the endless possibilities that exist. You feel like the world is your oyster … and it is!
The worst part is trying to figure out your purpose, which can be confusing. You have to have strength not to listen to naysayers. And I always have to remind myself that this is my life now, even though I respect my parents’ input.
I’ve learnt to do everything with passion, as what you do echoes in eternity. Surround yourself with positive people and try to teach and motivate others as you climb the ladder of success.
I look forward to getting older because growing old means growing wiser. I look forward to further growth and a deeper understanding of myself.

THIRTIES

ROLANDA MARAIS (32), ACTRESS
Being in my 30s means I have a career I’m passionate about, I’m healthy and I have amazing friends. I recently broke up with the man I thought I was going to marry, so now I have to redefine who I am without him. But I’m starting to see the pleasures of the single life again!
The best thing about being this age is I feel more confident and care less about what others think of me. I really feel I’ve grown into my own skin. It’s very empowering. And I love being older and wiser than I was in my 20s.
The worst part is that people put pressure on you to find ‘Mr Right’, have kids and settle down. It will happen when it’s supposed to happen, so I’m not going out there to look for it.
I’ve learnt that you should buy property as soon as you can. I wish I’d done it with the first decent money I made; property was so affordable back then!
I look forward to getting older because life, for me, is all about spending it with the people you love. I can’t wait to sit on the stoep having a good laugh with my friends and family. I learn something new about myself every year and that journey of self-discovery is so stimulating.

MICHELLE GARFORTH-VENTER (39), ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALIST AND PRODUCER
Being in my 30s means my health and peace of mind have never been better. As you mature, you become more responsible and grateful for these things. A healthy lifestyle is important to me and I work out four times a week. My relationship with my husband continues to get better, especially since the birth of our son.
The best thing about this age is having more wisdom. I’ve always said maturing is like changing gears in a car: you gain speed the more you motor along!
The worst part … is nothing!
I’ve learnt not to waste time and energy worrying about my weight while my body is healthy and strong. I wish I could tell my younger self not to use models as a yardstick!
I look forward to getting older because 40 is the new 30. There is no reason to fear getting older. But there is a lot to be said for exercising regularly and watching what you eat – it really can promote longevity!

FORTIES

DEBORA PATTA (45), INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST AND PRODUCER
Being in my 40s means I’m not as racked with self-doubt as I was in my 20s. I feel confident, strong and a lot wiser. It’s a great space to be in! My biggest challenge is balancing family and career; sometimes I do and other times I feel exhausted. I’m fitter than ever and this year I’m going to climb Kilimanjaro to prove it!
The best thing about this age is no longer caring what other people think of you.The worst part is knowing you will never be carefree and 21 again.
I’ve learnt not to be so hung up on people who don’t like you. And if I knew what would happen to my body after childbirth I would have ‘permanently hung around in a thong until I was 35’, as Nora Ephron said. I would also have invested money more wisely.
I don’t look forward to getting older because I would want to be fit, healthy and on top of my game, no matter what my age.

NOELEEN MAHOLWANA-SANGQU (42), TALK SHOW HOST
Being in my 40s means I have a loving husband and three fantastic children. I also love my career. Hosting 3 Talk allows me to meet and talk to the most interesting, wonderful people every day. My health is good, but I’m currently on a strict eating plan as I’d like to shed a few kilos.
The best thing is that I don’t care what people think of me. I am who I am, and I’m confident in my own skin.
The worst part … is nothing!
I’ve learnt not to take anything too personally. And to turn to God for guidance. I am very intuitive and have never really taken advice from anyone, I have always been a free spirit and followed my own heart and instincts when faced with challenges.
I look forward to getting older because it will allow me to learn more and grow more as an individual. And as far as physical appearance goes, well, there’s always Botox!

FIFTIES

VINETTE EBRAHIM (53), ACTRESS
Being in my 50s means that all the health problems your mother had, suddenly manifest themselves! But I consider myself lucky to still have a career and a good relationship at this age. Both of them are pretty challenging though!
The best thing about being this age is that you don’t have to answer to anyone about your eccentricities!
The worst part is that people start regarding you as ‘over the hill’.
I’ve learnt to choose wisely early on in life. If I could go back, I would have chosen a career that would have afforded me the luxury of retirement and travel at this point in my life.
I don’t look forward to getting older because I don’t want to get very old. I would like to leave this life gracefully. The prospect of old age actually frightens the pants off me!

PJ POWERS (50), SINGER
Being in my 50s means my life has been filled with wonderful experiences. I have no regrets – I’ve lived a full life and plan to do so right till the end. I’ve learnt to overcome obstacles and be who I am and not who everyone wants me to be. I see my life as a work in progress and look forward to each new day.
The best thing about being this age is still living my dream.
The worst part … is nothing.
I look forward to each and every day and year.
I’ve learnt to let go. We have to realise we are not in control of every-thing and can’t change the past. But we can live for the present day and make the most of it.
I don’t mind getting older. I don’t really think about it and I don’t feel 50 anyway. I believe in living in the now. It’s called the present because  it’s a gift!