She plays the role of Martha, a domestic worker in the telenovela Isitha: The Enemy. She also stars on Moja LOVE reality show,Giants of the City. Ontiretse Radipabe tells ZiMoja how she navigates fame living with a disability.

HER BIG BREAK

Bubbly, humorous and full of life, Ontiretse was born in Atteridgeville, Tshwane, but grew up in various places. "I moved a lot with my mother. I initially lived in Atteridgeville then we moved to Mpumalanga, Balfour, after that we moved to Limpopo. I did grade eight to ten in Limpopo. In 2022, I moved to Johannesburg to pursue my dream of becoming an actor," she said. She has always wanted to be on TV. "I started my journey on YOTV and with persistence, I managed to get an acting role on a show called The Black Door on ETV, which later did a spin-off and became Isitha: The Enemy. " We have finished season 1 and we are starting with season 2. I am loving every moment because being on screen is all I've wanted to do."

ABLE

She has not looked at life as a challenge but rather navigates it with a positive outlook. "I wouldn't call them challenges, I would call them learning opportunities. People do not trust that I can do very things mainly because of my disability," she said. "Having to prove myself to people and opportunities became a bit of a challenge but it built me to be the person I am today." Ontiretse said, adding that growing up in a society that doesn't understand disabilities can often be a problem. "Some people would make fun of me or say mean things to me but I used that as a wagon to motivate myself and tell myself that I am also human and I am able, People need to educate themselves about disabilities and how to treat people with disabilities. I am, however, very patient, and I've grown to understand that in this world there are different people and that we are all not the same mentally," she said. "I am a very happy person and I use my positive energy to drive me and build me to become a better person."

LOVE

Ontiretse is also in a relationship, and it took her time to find love as she was looking for someone genuine. "I am in a relationship,Men will always be men. You always have to build trust and it takes time and patience and hope they don't disappoint you." This year, she plans to grow in the TV space. " I want to learn more and expose myself to good opportunities behind the scenes. I am very proud to be who I am. I stand for boldness and always using what you have, less complaining,and always turning negative to positive."