The 5-minute Interview: Singer/actress Pauline Malefane

'If I were a politician, there would be fewer speeches and more action'

Pauline Malefane, 31, co-wrote, directed and starred in 'U-Carmen eKhayelitsha', an adaptation of Bizet's 'Carmen' set in South Africa. She is currently starring in 'The Magic Flute' at the Duke of York's Theatre in London.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be ...

I'd probably be rehearsing or getting ready for tonight's performance, but I'd rather be at home in Cape Town baking myself in the sun.

A phrase I use far too often is...

"You know what", "I honestly..." or "You know". That's in English, in Xhosa it's a different story.

I wish people would take more notice of...

The fact that there are lots of opportunities out there, but the general attitude is to wait for someone else to find it for you. You have to get up and look for them.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

In September I was given a Golden Horn award for best actress for the film Son Of Man, which I was unfortunately unable to collect in person as I was performing The Magic Flute at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town. So to my surprise a few nights later, at the end of a performance, I was presented with the award on stage – they had managed to get it couriered from Johannesburg.

I am not a politician but...

If I were there would be fewer speeches and more action – thank God I am a singer/actress.

The ideal night out is...

I definitely wouldn't say no to a nice restaurant with my husband and kids though, as long as they have nice meat!

In moments of weakness I...

When I do find myself in that situation the first thing I do is pray.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is...

Work hard whether you feel you can do it or not.