Poppy Ntshongwana, one of South Africa's youngest radio personalities, matriculated at the Diocesan School for Girls (DSG). Her voice is easily recognisable; she is currently a news reader and co-host on the 5FM Fresh Drive with popular DJ Fresh from 3 to 6pm in the afternoon. She is also a model, club DJ and an ambassador for popular brands. Grocott's Mail reporter Olwethu Xabanisa had a one-on-one chat with the beautiful young role model.
Poppy Ntshongwana, one of South Africa's youngest radio personalities, matriculated at the Diocesan School for Girls (DSG). Her voice is easily recognisable; she is currently a news reader and co-host on the 5FM Fresh Drive with popular DJ Fresh from 3 to 6pm in the afternoon. She is also a model, club DJ and an ambassador for popular brands. Grocott's Mail reporter Olwethu Xabanisa had a one-on-one chat with the beautiful young role model.
1. Where were you born?
I was born in Mthatha at St. Mary’s Hospital.
2. Tell us about life growing up?
I grew up in Pretoria. I had a great childhood – so many happy, fun times and memories. Pretoria was a lovely place to live in.
3. What was the motive for attending DSG?
I went to DSG in Grahamstown from Standard Five to Matric. It all came about after my brother went to the Grahamstown Festival and stayed at St. Andrew’s school for it. He then came back to Pretoria and told my parents he wanted to go to school there. My sister, my brother and I all eventually ended up there.
4.You must have enjoyed something in the years spent in Grahamstown, what was it?
I loved going to school in Grahamstown! I got to mix with people from all sorts of different backgrounds – there was also never a dull moment at DSG boarding school. There was always something to do, I was always busy, having fun and learning new things. Grahamstown has some of the best schools in the country and it’s a great place to be as a child or teenager. We were really well looked after as DSG boarders too – it was a powerful and empowering experience.
5. Elaborate on your Grahamstown memories?
I fondly remember Wimpy and Dulce cafe… I also remember the day Grahamstown got its first traffic robot on High Street which was a big deal at the time. I remember Derby days with Kingswood and Victoria Girls schools… I also recall how the Roxbury cinema at the Spar complex was revamped, which we were all so excited about. I even remember when Titanic was screened at the Roxbury and we had an interval in the middle to change the film reels. Lastly, I remember those crazy College streakers…
6. Any favourite buildings in Grahamstown?
I love the Cathedral – I loved being there for Easter and Christmas carols. I also loved the Monument… I have so many happy memories around the Monument – from Festival shows, musicals and Sci Fest to prize giving. So many memories!
7. Did you ever regret attending to DSG and if so, why?
I have never regretted attending DSG for one moment – it was the best place I could have been at and I absolutely loved school.
8. Which year did you matriculate?
2002.
9. Mention the teachers that you still remember and what do you remember about them?
Mrs Hummel – my History teacher – she loved me even though I was a bit of a menace! I was usually such a chatterbox… Mrs Green my Drama teacher, Mr Crampton my English teacher (I LOVED English thanks to his great teaching), Mr Perold my Afrikaans teacher who always drank out of a yellow cup. I also remember my headmaster Mr Probyn who was an amazing man. I remember Mrs Beer who gave me French classes and finally Mrs Cross who was my house mistress. All the teachers at DSG were wonderful!
10. How were you involved with school activities and leadership?
I was involved in a lot of things at school. I was Head of House, netball captain, head of a DJ club, head of chamber choir, one of ten prefects. I also acted in musicals, sang in normal choir, played hockey, water polo, netball, athletics and tried my hand at guitar for about a year.
11. Give a brief description of what you did straight after matric and where you did it?
A friend of mine’s (at DSG) father had a private plane and after exams we were flown to Plettenberg Bay for Matric Rage. Straight after that I went to study in Pretoria.
12. Have you always wanted to move to Johannesburg and do what you are doing? I’m originally from Pretoria so I wasn’t always sold on Jo'burg. I really enjoy it now but Jo'burg was kind of the unknown so I wouldn’t say I ever consciously planned to be here. I always knew what I wanted to do though and the opportunity to work for 5FM was in Jo'burg. I’ve now grown to really enjoy living here so it’s turned into a win/win for me.
13. When and how did you get your 5FM job and what else do you do besides it?
I started out at 5FM in 2005 as a newsreader – my first paying job out of university – straight from being a Drive-time news anchor at TUKS FM. I’m now a news anchor and contributor on the Fresh Drive and I also host my own show weekdays from 3 to 6am. Apart from working for 5FM I’m also a Club DJ, I do voice-overs, modelling and I’m also a Peugeot and Plum shoes ambassador.
14. How often do you visit Grahamstown?
At least once a year.
15. What car do you drive and what is your dream one?
I drive a Peugeot 308GTi – my dream car would be a Peugeot 308 cc.
16. Any words of wisdom as a role model?
Focus and never stop trying – I assure you someone is watching you and taking notice of what you’re doing.
