With so many overnight celebrities these days, it is really refreshing to see people who've worked hard to rise to the top.
Lerato Kganyago is one of the few celebrities who've inspired us with her journey in the South African entertainment industry. Fame and fortune didn't just fall in her lap - she's worked hard to earn it!
From day one, this star knew what she wanted and didn't let circumstances discourage her.
Started from the bottom
About two months ago, Lerato, who is a radio and TV presenter, actress, and DJ, shared a bit of her story on Twitter.
I left a stable job with a stable income, and volunteered for 2 years at Soweto TV before I started getting paid. I was on a mission
— leratokganyago (@leratokganyago) October 7, 2015
I went from traveling the world for free Via work, to driving up and down Soweto TV, everyday because I was on a mission
— leratokganyago (@leratokganyago) October 7, 2015
We bet she's glad she made those sacrifices all those years ago, because it's all paying off right now.
Great career moves
This proved to be Lerato's big year. Not only did her career as a DJ soar, she also scored herself a role on Muvhango. Lerato was also one of the new faces on Metro FM this year.
That radio gig didin't come easy. After joining the national radio station, the media personality revealed that she was rejected a couple of times before she was hired.
She also had another big win after joining African talk show, Moments, which she hosts alongside Pearl Thusi.
Love wins in the end?
The sexy starlet opened up to Bona magazine about her four-year relationship with football star, Katlego Mashego. The relationship ended over a year ago. She told Bona that they are still good friends: "I still love him. If it was meant to be, we'll get back together; if we don't, it's still okay. If he marries someone else, I'd be genuinely happy for him, and I think that's how he feels about me too."
However, Lerato seems to have moved on. She had a lot of us guessing who her new man was after dropping several hints on Instagram. Judging by her posts, it looks like she's very happy. (We're not sure if they're still together, though).
Tragedy strikes
Although she's been flourishing in her career, Lerato was hit by a tragedy this year after losing her unborn baby. Sunday World broke the news back in October.
The radio DJ told the publication: "It's a sensitive matter and I'm still not ready to talk about it yet. Can you please give me an opportunity to deal with my own as privately as I can?"
We wish Lerato nothing but the best in 2016. We have no doubt that she'll have an amazing year.
Image credit: Instagram
