The Joburg Post Interview: Carol Bouwer

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By Joburg Post

1. What was your childhood Ambition?

I always wanted to be a psychologist even though in my mother's recollection I wanted to be a teacher. She reminds me of how I used to beat up walls and do spelling tests with my teddy bears (I never had dolls) but the most vivid memory for me is of wanting to be a psychologist and being proud of being able to spell the word. I guess as a township girl that must have been a big deal for me... hahaha

2. Who influenced your life?

Definitely being raised by a strong woman. I look at my mom to this day in absolute awe of the confidence with which she inhabits the world. Equality is ingrained in her DNA and she has never asked for permission to exist as a woman, she has in fact taught many about respecting their own station in society without seeking approval. 

3. Your educational background and life in varsity/ your life in the public domain and in your private space?

I continue to pursue my studies and now with Regent and I firmly believe that may change soon as despite my age, I have begun to believe I should have studied law and hope it is not too late at age 42. Interestingly in my acting days, I believe I portrayed the role well so all I have to do now is acquire the correct skills and maybe that will allow me to contribute to our country in the future from a legal perspective not politically.

 

 

 

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4. Your first job?

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Washing teddy bears at R5 each for my mom and my aunt. From a formal employment perspective, my first job was as a host on Teleschool which was on what was then known as TV1- it felt like breaking barriers having a lead role on a network that was reserved for those who did not look like me but such was our evolving country at the time.

5. How do you keep fit ?

I am terribly unfit and cannot exercise but I walk a lot! Living between Cape Town and Amsterdam where my husband comes from obviously allows one to have a grounded life as they are walking cities where you don't have to be confined to a car. 

6.Your political involvements and when did you get involved in politics.

I am political in the sense that I am opinionated about world politics and am not afraid to share my thoughts but I could never get involved as I am emotional at times. I care about about the displaced women in Syria as much as I worry about our own political flux, I care about women choosing to snub Hillary Clinton as much as I care about the fact that Africa only has one female president currently! I care too much to ever get involved...

7. What is your source of happiness?

My family. Being with Edward and Danté is the epitome of joy for me- we could be anywhere but for as long as we are together I am content.

8. What in todays society is a cause of concern?

Abuse of the voiceless. Whether it is a journalist who gets paid to besmirch your name in the name of pursuit of the truth or abuse of funds intended for those who need them the most. When our franchise was attained as a nation it was with the spirit of building together and creating a Utopia that seems now so elusive because of our disregard for those who can't match our own sense of limited power. I believe in a world that grows from a sense of love and service. Being available for and to others, being of service and being a nurturing force towards young and old is the only hope we have in attaining true nation building. Thankfully I have never been one to give up...

9. What are you passionate about?

Right now? Rebuilding my business... I was in a state of depression for a long time and let go of the levers so this year I am slowly re-instatimg myself as CEO and rebuilding Motswako in the hope of making it number one again, I guess technically as the only women's talk show geared towards the empowerment of African women it is number one. But I need the show to regain it's dominant position again not for ego but so I can have the leverage to use it as a force for change again. We are also pursuing other media opportunities and hoping for success in that regard...

10. What is your ultimate driving force?

Making a positive impact... if I can't influence your life positively I simply don't get involved and J reckon that has served me well this far

11. What can you not do without in a day ?

Human interaction... I love people, bizarre for one as shy as I am but I thrive on being surrounded by positive impactful and hungry souls wishing to explore together. 

12. What are your biggest achievements?

Please write them on my tomb

13. What are your biggest disappointments?

Onwards and upwards hey! Never backwards...

14. If you were not in this particular career, which career would you be in?

I would be a tennis player. Mr Govender at school used to say I had a talent- I seem to have passed it onto Danté as he beats me all the time.

 15. Radio or Television, why?

Books... the sense of escape and wonder is more enriching and you become an active participant as you can colour the landscapes with your own hues and you can all read the same book and have a myriad of interpretations and journeys. Books absolutely...

16.How religious are you?

Modestly so... I believe in God but I reckon my interpretation is less fanatical than most and if I unpack I may begin the next world war before Trump.

17. What could you have done better in life ?

So many things, but wow how many lessons would I have missed?

18. In your next life what would your career be?

I doubt I would want one... I would travel the world and spend time at Ashrams around the world being of service to others and seeking light while imparting the same. With age I have come to understand that I enjoy the comforts of life but can do without as I have discovered my source of happiness is totally devoid of my wallet... that for me is joy

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19. Top 5 things to do before you retire?

A) Get the movie I wrote onto screen

B) write more

C) Create more jobs across all the businesses we are in

D) Ensure more of the people who work with or for me are able to start their own businesses as a result of knowledge one shares

E) Become an ambassador of a life conscientiously lived

20. Personal life scale card from 1-10?

I can't play this game darling... I am too busy living my best and most authentic life to keep score😂

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