Nonhle Thema Reflects on Her Rise, Fall, and Personal Growth: Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
In a candid interview on episode 3 of Showmax's Unfollowed, media personality Nonhle Thema opened up about the mistakes she made during the peak of her career and the subsequent journey of self-discovery. Once hailed as Mzansi's "it" girl in 2007, Nonhle was a prominent TV host, brand ambassador, and globetrotter. However, she eventually lost herself amidst the glitz and glam,losing all to her own ego.
During the interview with Thembekile Mrototo, Nonhle reflected on the battles she faced, which were internal rather than external. She admitted to losing touch with her spiritual beliefs and getting caught up in fights with people, driven by a desperate desire for respect. Nonhle confessed that her constant need for validation led her to become consumed by what others said about her. Her ego took control, preventing her from being present in the moment and fostering a toxic social media presence.
“It was a battle of myself, my ego, my pride. I lost sense of who God was in my life because now I found myself fighting people. It was for respect. I thought this was the only way that I could get this respect, because I needed to step up and have people fear me, it was as if I could not even put my phone down.
The media personality acknowledged that her behavior during that time, such as publicly belittling others and flaunting her wealth, was a reflection of the inner demons she was grappling with. She described herself as being full of self-importance and self-absorption, admitting that she had become a "horrible person" and even a "monster" in her own eyes and in front of the world.
“I was so full of myself, I was so self-absorbed at that time. I was such a horrible person. I became a monster right in front of myself, in front of the world.”
Nonhle revealed that her actions had consequences professionally, leading to the termination of numerous endorsements and a significant loss of income. She estimated that she lost around 10 million in earnings at one point. Despite these setbacks, Nonhle expressed that she has no regrets. She acknowledged that the experience taught her invaluable lessons about humility, self-reflection, and the importance of personal growth.
In recent years, Nonhle has made conscious efforts to distance herself from the negative aspects of social media. She revealed that she has refrained from using platforms like Twitter and focuses instead on engaging with her audience through Facebook and Instagram. By prioritizing her personal growth and well-being, Nonhle is actively working towards becoming a better version of herself.
She opened up in a series of Instagram posts, urging others to have a better relationship with money.
“Too much money young turned me into a monster in my 20s. Money if you are not ready can be not good. Pray to understand money so it can be good to you.
“My father was very wealthy. I grew up in money. It was not new to me but when I made my own money I turned to be something else. Never be a slave to money, I think I was always trying to prove to my Dad that I was worthy. Now I know better. Money is to serve me, not the other way around.”
Nonhle Thema's journey serves as a reminder that success and fame can have a profound impact on individuals, often leading them down a path of self-destruction if not approached with humility and self-awareness. Her story resonates with many, as it highlights the importance of introspection, learning from past mistakes, and embracing personal growth. Nonhle's candidness in discussing her rise and fall is a testament to her resilience and serves as an inspiration for others navigating their own journeys of self-discovery.
