Entertainer extraordinaire, Krijay Govender, took time out her busy schedule to chat to Zalebs in light of Women’s month. Many know Krijay as one of SA’s funniest female stand-up comedians. But that’s just her ‘night job’, she quips.

Believe it or not, she actually has a ‘9-5’! Krijay is an award winning director and is the genius behind many popular South African series and soapies including; The Wild, High Rollers, Isidingo, Rhythm City, Big Brother Hotroom, Gara Dumela and City Sesla.

Krijay is fierce, fabulous and seriously funny! Our correspondent, Megan van den Heever, chats with this modern day woman and finds out why Krijay is not letting stereotypes or obstacles get in her way.

Hi Krijay and welcome to Zalebs. Stand-up comedy is particularly male-dominated. Can women can be funny too?

I believe anyone can be funny irrespective of gender. It's just the ability to view life through quirky lenses.

Is there a difference between the humour of male and female comedians?
I suppose there is a difference, yet I try not to play into it. I would like to think of myself as a comedian who happens to be a woman.

What is the best part about being a woman?
 Armpits. They're less smelly than men's ones.

How would you best describe South African women to people from other countries?
Resilient, survivors, world-class jugglers, feeders, and a glue that holds it all together...from family to the nation.

Where do you get your inspiration/jokes from?
Life experiences as a mother, wife, worker, friend, a driver who sits in hours of traffic, a lifetime frustrated dieter, and as a South African in a multi-cultured hotwings loving society.

What makes you laugh?
The honesty of children and the 3 Billys: Conolly, Crystal and Cosby.

Who is your favourite female superhero- and why?
Dora The Explorer! She is the one woman in the world that can fit everything into one backpack..the rest of us watch in awe!

Is there such a thing as a ‘glass ceiling’?
Yes, and they are beautiful if you get it done by the right conservatory architects. Just kidding
I don't believe in glass ceilings. Once you believe something, it starts to exist and you end up creating your own barriers.

Have you faced any challenges as a female stand-up comedian in trying to ‘prove’ your worth?
The biggest challenge has been convincing the security guards at big comedy festivals that I am actually a comedian on the night's lineup...and not David Kibuuka's girlfriend. Proof that comedy is still perceived as an all-male genre in entertainment.

What do you believe has been key behind your rise to the top?
You mean beyond high heels?

I attribute this to Faith in God and a bit of focused hard work. I am afraid I don't believe in luck.

What’s your home life like?
Scheduled chaos. I have an incredibly well-organised husband (Praveen) who is my go-to guy. I have two girls Milan (7) and Janah (4). We live a well-scheduled life which is necessary for everyone to meet their commitments and to live out their dreams.

Are you a funny at home?
I never intended to, but I automatically assumed the serious strict parent role. My husband is the funny one

What are you busy working on?
I am currently in Edinburgh (The Edinburgh Fringe Festival) performing a play Cherry on Top about a wife (me) and a mistress (Leeanda Reddy) who meet at a man's deathbed. Challenging and demanding piece!

How do you plan to spend Women’s Day?
Performing in Edinburgh, but thinking of South Africa.

What changes would you like to see for women in SA in your lifetime?
I ask for nothing more than the freedom to walk . Not a long walk like Madiba...just the freedom to walk on our roads without fear.

Do you look up to any national and international iconic women? Who and why?
I am afraid I don't look up to any women, rather I look to either side of me and am glad to have so many women (those I know and those I don't) to lean on.

Finally, what’s your message for Women’s Month to the women of SA?
Never bother emulating, imitating or being a copy, your beauty actually lies with your uniqueness.

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