Knowing better and wanting better isn’t being difficult: Yaya Mavundla

Multi award-winning transgender activist and media personality Yaya Mavundla has had a great 2022 and plans to make more of an impact in the new year to inspire people.

“The things I accomplished were the highlights. My ambassadorship with Sorbet & Exuviance growing from strength to strength, my clothing line Queer Comfort and exploring the world was exciting.

“The challenges I faced taught me a lot about myself and that on its own was a highlight,” she tells TshisaLIVE.

She's got “exciting, yet scary” projects lined up to help amplify her voice within the entertainment space, including the return of her Mzansi Queer Festival in March 2023

“I want to do things that challenge me, that I like and make me happy.”

While she's not fazed by the naysayers on social media, Yaya says it's important to dispel misconceptions.

“I’ve been labelled a diva and difficult to work with a few times, before people got to know me, judging me from face value, and that has been people assuming I am that person. Knowing better and wanting better isn’t being difficult, really wanting what is best for anything you put your name on.”

Letting her work speak for itself has been one of the best decisions Yaya's made and she's made sure to stay true to herself as she evolves. 

“Not everyone deserves access to me. I can’t help and be there for everyone all the time, not everyone will understand you or your vision and that it really is OK for me to put myself first and the world after.”

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