It's been a while since ZAlebs spoke to 5FM's Sureshnie Rider who is one of the busiest people in the Mzansi entertainment industry. The radio DJ and presenter spoke about her five jobs, her busy schedule and of course, her guilty pleasures!

How long have you been in the entertainment industry?

I've doing radio since I was 20, and I'm now in my thirties. So I reckon I’ve been in this industry for the best part of my youth!

How did you start off - did you study first and what was your first job? How did you end up with 5?

I studied Journalism, and in my final year we all had to get into an in-service/internship programme. I was lucky to get that break at Durban Youth Radio, which is based at the University of KZN. I worked there and then at two other radio stations. I decided to send off my demos, and I got a call from 5fm within a day. I was then convinced I was being pranked! I actually owe the guy at the Postnet in the Windermere Centre! I was about to retract that demo to 5fm, and he was like, no mam you've already paid, just send it! And here I am at my dream job.

What is the one thing you look forward to when it comes to your job?

The audience. I have the most prized job in the whole world. Who gets to walk into a studio, and then gets to chat to the whole country? That power of influence, of sharing of creating the theatre-of-the-mind style radio, is just what inspires me every single day. It's definitely not a job for me, but an everyday passion.

You aren't just DJ'ing on 5FM, but you wear many hats - what projects are you involved with at the moment and what have you got lined up for 2015?

I'm a complete busy body and I love it! I co-own a business called BobbleheadSA. We are proud to be creating customised South African Bobbleheads. I'm also the co-founder of the Blow the Whistle’ Campaign, and we're hoping to get more South Africans purchasing whistles to equip ourselves for the fight against crime. I lend my voice to lots of Radio/Tv Projects, and this year I plan to realise a lot more of my Vision Journal entries...watch this space! Sush is about to own 2015! 

Do you find it difficult being in this industry and juggling being a mom and wife too?

It is a challenge, but I truly have the most amazing support system and we have a pretty good understanding. I've also had to learn about time management and diarising everything. It works. and on the days it doesn't, you take a moment and breathe and realise you're only human and sometimes you have limitations.

What was the hardest lesson you had to learn so far in this industry?

I've lost two really dear friends who worked in the industry. They were taken so young and so unexpectedly, and only getting their dreams started. I've learnt that life is short, and you cannot ever take things for granted. So live in the moment and make it count. 

.@WhistleSA founder @Sureshnie on why she’s taking a stand against sexual violence. http://t.co/mbaCB5khcP #MCNaked pic.twitter.com/IHsQ4Ep1qX

— marie claire SA (@marieclaire_sa) February 19, 2015

If you could be or do anything for one day - what would that be?

I really really want to go to Disney World and spend a day walking hand-in-hand with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. #DreamsComeTru. Then there;s also the dream of having a studio day with Pharrell Williams and seeing how his genius of music making unfolds. 

What are your resolutions for 2015 and have you been sticking to them?

I am useless at keeping them, but this year I set out a few basic ones. Saving is one of them. Realising some dream career goals. Then lastly, making some serious ME time.

What does a normal day look like to you?

Making lunches, dropping Pavani at school, reading news from 10:00 till 15:00, doing voice overs, heading home to cook dinner, going to DJ/MC events and then repeat:) 

What is your guilty pleasure?

My child and husband are my pleasures. They're the people I seek out in any quiet time, to spend my free moments with. They make it all worthwhile