Charlene Truter studied with some of the foremost names in classical vocal training in South Africa. She was soloist in the renowned Stellenbosch Libertas Choir and part of the Cape Town Operatic Ensemble under Vetta Weiss.

In 2009 she also ventured into acting, her debut being with Niel Rademan and Zenobia Kloppers in  Kaapse Kabaret, a piece about the history of slaves at the Cape commissioned by the Suidooster Festival.

1.   What inspired you to do what you are doing now?

There have always been two strong interests for me: making music and working with words. My whole professional life I have drifted between either of these two, often integrating them. After leaving the TV industry in SA, I started working as freelance journalist and media consultant. Between words is where I feel happiest. I love crafting a piece to perfection. Living in a third language but working in your second and mother tongue is challenging though. But I find it also allows you to see your world new. I work slower now when writing, but it is more meticulous, and a bit frustrating.  

2.   If you could choose one person who was most influential in contributing towards your success, who would that person

      be? 

That would be grossly unfair to all the people who have in any way positively contributed to my life, even in the smallest of ways, e.g. the lecturer who took half an hour to put the ground back under my feet when I was beside myself in my Journalism year.  Or the final year law student, I stumbled across him on Facebook again the other day, which helped me do my first assignment in my freshman year. Then there was the boss who saw the opportunity for me to enter the TV industry whilst still working as journalist, supported me with it, and helped me make my case to human resources. I was working for Media24 at the time. Small things can sometimes make such a huge difference. I sometimes even find mentors in books, funny as that might sound. I believe it lies within ourselves to decide whether we want to be taught, to seek out those things we can apply to our lives to positively build it.   

3.   Are you involved or have you been involved in community work? If so how?

Yes, I have been involved in community work, not belonging to a specific organisation, but contributing time and talents when the opportunity came along e.g. fundraising concerts and events. I don't think it necessary to list them all. I do believe charity starts at home, so I was very active in the church community I grew up in, even though I was not involved there anymore. It has given me a lot. What I have always felt very strongly about is doing something for the aged. They are often ostracised and hidden away. They're not beautiful. They can't be made into poster children for some cause. And yet, it's a road we all have to take. With my accompanist at the time, we used to do annual Christmas concerts at old age homes. I have also worked at ambassador for a fair-trade label called Fairhills, based in Rawsonville, South Africa. 

4.   How do you think mentorship contributes to the development of South Africa's youth?

Parents and a community can offer love and support, if you are fortunate enough to have that. But even if, the opportunities available to young people today means that you sometimes grow beyond what your environment can assist with in terms of know-how. I have known this situation myself. This is where mentors become important. They can help to unlock the potential of our youth. But, I think we have to be careful to make it sound too weight so people shy away from the responsibility. As I have answered above, it sometimes really just takes half an hour at a critical point to help someone into a direction that changes their lives, for the better. 

5.   On your journey thus far, you have taken very specific routes to cultivate and reach success. What practical advice can you offer young people on your experience in that regard?

Don't know whether you could call it "very specific routes". Most things were not planned. I imagined becoming a drummer or nature conservationist as a kid, not a journalist, singer and certainly not a television personality. What I have always believed in, is concetrating fully on where you are at a specific time in your life and to give all at that. I read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell a few months ago, in which he unpacks the 'rules of success'. He makes some interesting comments, one of which is the 10 000 hour rule, the amount of time you need to keep doing what you're doing to make a successful breakthrough.

By that calculation, when you wake up to diligence at university level, it is too late! But I like the principal. Work hard, work intelligently and don't exclude the impossible from happening.

6.   If you had the opportunity to go back to when you were 18 after just completing Grade 12, what one life lesson would you give yourself?

Don't be so serious. Seriously.

7.   Name one goal that you would still like to achieve?

To pin it down to one is cruel. Three? I would like to learn Spanish and Sotho, which I find a delight to the ear. Not understanding anything, I'd often listen to the news in Sotho because it was so beautiful. I'd like to further an academic career, and like everyone else, I want to write a book.