0 of 2
"I’m pretty sure I didn’t pack my grandmother’s goat..."
Comedian Thenjiwe is puzzled by airport security but loves the jet-setter life.
Currently based in the UK, South African comedian Thenjiwe Moseley has not stopped giving her fans a regular dose of laughter.
While she has been unable to perform for a live audience for quite some time, the star has fully embraced virtual comedy shows.
She has also used this opportunity to grow her YouTube channel, Thenjiwe Comedy, to over 100,000 subscribers.
As a qualified lawyer and a mother of one, the silver lining for Moseley during the pandemic has been the opportunity to spend time with her son, as well as to use her legal expertise to assist vulnerable members of society.
We spoke to her to find out about some of her best and worst travel experiences.
Tell us about your childhood holiday memories
As a child growing up in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, holidays meant visiting my great-grandmother in the countryside, KwaMaphumulo. It’s only an hour away but we would pack like we were going to be on the road for 10 days. My late uncle Mathanzima always had nice cars and he would drive us there.
The person with the best school results would sit in the front. Gogo would slaughter a chicken when we got there and, again, the person with the best results chose the first piece. It was always a great fight for who would be the best.
And your first trip abroad?
It was in June 2002, when I went to New York to work as an au pair. It was scary and exciting at the same time. Boarding the plane, I didn’t know seats were assigned and thought that since I’d come in first I could choose the best seat. That’s how it works in a taxi and on a bus! I even argued with the lady who asked me to move. I thought she was just racist.
What is the most difficult, remote or adventurous destination you’ve ever been to?
Camping at Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight. I didn’t even know we were going camping. My big mistake was trusting my British husband to book us a holiday – never again!
What is your favourite city in SA? Why?
Durban is by far my favourite: beautiful weather, beautiful beaches and affordability. You don’t need to have as much money there as in other big cities for a great night out. I also love the beautiful landscapes and the warmth of the people – one is always greeted by a friendly smile, the sound of the Zulu language, and the best bunny chow.
What's your favourite international city?
Amsterdam has a lot of weird and wonderful things – in some way it reminds me of Durban. The locals are very friendly and nonjudgmental. There is artistic freedom, picturesque canals and stunning architecture. The De Wallen red-light district has almost 300 window brothels and a museum of prostitution.
Do you have a favourite South African hotel?
These days I prefer Airbnb because I am always on the road and I sleep at odd hours. Airbnb gives me the freedom of feeling like I am at home. I get to cook my own food and can host parties without people in the next room complaining.
Do you prefer roughing it or luxury when travelling?
Definitely luxury. My best experience was in Cancun, Mexico, a seven-day, all-inclusive stay at the Paradisus Cancun. From the time we landed, everything was taken care of and we had a butler who was ready to serve whenever we needed him. Plus there was a beautiful beach and great pool areas. All we had to do was breathe and shower.
What has been your worst travel experience?
When I missed my flight in Dubai. I had just been on holiday and spent all my money. I had to call a friend in SA to pay for me to get the next available flight, which was 16 hours later. I became one of those people who sleep on the floor at airports.
What do you hate about travelling?
I loathe airports just as much as the planes. I used to enjoy being at the airport and people-watching, but it changed after 9/11 – too many X-rays and restrictions. Being a black woman with a lot of stamps in my passport, I am often treated like a drug mule and I’ve often had to ask immigration officials to Google me (thank God for the internet). Sometimes they ask so much about what’s in my bag I start wondering if I didn’t pack my grandmother’s goat by mistake.
Oddest thing you’ve experienced while travelling?
When I am on the road, I am usually the only woman travelling with a group of male comedians, so it is not unusual for me to find myself in places where the oddest of activities take place. One time, I went to a ping-pong show in Bangkok. I did not know what to expect but it was definitely not such explicit views of the female body.
Are you an adventurous eater when you travel?
My motto is: if other human beings can eat it, I will try it at least once. Sometimes I ask my hosts not to tell me what they are feeding me; like the time I was served monkey meat in Brazzaville, Congo. If they had told me, I would have politely declined. One of the few things I could not eat was fried spiders in Bangkok.
What’s one place you really want to go to, now or at least some day?
The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is top of my list.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.