Owethu Carina Khanyi is a third-year Screen Arts and Technology student who has always aspired to be in the world of creatives. She is currently embarking on a journey to becoming a filmmaker who will not only create productions that will entertain but also impact and change the lives of mass audiences.

Khanyi is also the recent winner of the Sharon Wilson Award, bagging R10 000. The Sharon Wilson award was established more than 30 years ago for the top English and Communication student to honour Mr Clive Wilson’s late wife, Sharon Wilson, who used to work in English and Communication at DUT.

Khanyi made mention that she planned to invest some of the money and buy some personal equipment for school so that she can make her own productions.

The passionate and determined individual aims to grow as a person and avoid becoming stagnant.

“In addition to that, I also constantly strive to use the gifts and skills that God has bestowed upon me to serve others and add value in the best way possible,” she said.

She is currently intending to step into the industry to see what she is capable of doing once she graduates.

“However, I do see myself furthering my studies in the nearby future. Now, I have been doing volunteer work whenever I can for this non-profit organisation called the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and I have been trying to find ways to implant myself in areas that will help me achieve my goals,” she added.

The goals Khanyi has for this year, 2023 are to work hard academically to graduate with a Cum Laude, to start working in productions and creating productions outside of the schooling environment, so that she can be able to pivot herself into the industry.

Khanyi expressed that students need to make the most of any opportunities given to them by the university like competitions such as the Sharon Wilson Award.

“I believe that it is important not because of the possible satisfactory win that may come but important because it develops a sense of belief and trust within yourself that will enable you to take a chance on stepping into opportunities or endeavours that may seem challenging or impossible. I believe in constantly putting yourself out there gradually removes the imposter syndrome that many of us tend to struggle with,” stressed Khanyi.

She is currently working towards using digital platforms to bring about media that will help people with their faith and spiritual journey in a manner that relates to them.

Her advice to first-year students is to firstly take care of their minds.

“I have realised that what stops many people from reaching their fullest potential is how they think, and I believe that taking time each day to consume content that will bring about positive self-talk and awareness is key,” she said.

Khanyi also says students need to develop a system of discipline for themselves rather than relying on motivation.

“Motivation is driven by how you feel whereas discipline is the ability to take an initiative regardless of how you feel. Lastly, I would say prioritise creating a balance between working hard and leisure, this will ensure that you achieve your goals without putting yourself in a space of self-deprivation mentally, physically, and spiritually,” she said.

Pictured: Owethu Carina Khanyi

Waheeda Peters