From shacking up with a Facebook friend while pursuing his acting and modelling dreams after dropping out of school and being a breadwinner at age 20, an Eastern Cape-born artist has finally hit the big time.
Fort Beaufort-born Sonwabile Gingqishe’s star is shining brightly as he has announced his arrival in the entertainment and modelling industry with a bang.
The multi-talented Gingqishe has truly put his petrol pumping days behind him and he will now look for the next big thing – a diamond in the rough – as he is now a talent scout at Just You Modelling and Artist Management.
And in June he will jet off to the New York Film Academy in the US to study cinema. He was awarded the R133,557,50 three-year scholarship after he impressed at the Applause Rising Talent Showcase International in Orlando, Florida in July.
He performed in front of industry giants like Blaze Johnson, Nace Butler, Kim Meyers and casting director at Tyler Perry studios, Rhavynn Drummer.
Gingqishe, who has been supporting his family of six as his parents are unemployed, has been hard at work shooting commercials for major multinational companies.
On Tuesday, he shot an advert for Steers in Pretoria.

“Dreams do come true, through hard work. People must not take shortcuts but must work hard, someone will notice you.
“I dreamt of going abroad but I never thought it would ever happen because of my background.
“It was something of the impossible for me, but as time went on I started believing. Even though I was disappointed by sponsors I told myself I will be going,” said the go-getter Gingqishe.
Team Best Productions, which shot the Steers advert on Tuesday described working with Soso, as Gingqishe is affectionately known, as a pleasure.
Team Best Production Kathleen Samson said: “I was looking for a young cool professional with a really authentic look and Soso happened to just be the person I wanted. He is a professional and he was here bright and early.”
Gingqishe’s former boss at the Total garage in Fort Beaufort and manager of three years, Diederick Hattingh said he had realised Soso’s dedication and passion for performing arts immediately and wanted to guide him.
“He always gives 100% from his side, even after so many doors have been slammed in his face but he has stayed positive. He has never given up. It is such a privilege to work with him. Even when I lose faith he doesn’t, instead he motivates me. His commitment to his art is admirable,” said Hattingh.
Gingqishe also featured in the high-profile Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg in December.
After many disappointments from potential sponsors to fund his trip, Eastern Cape sport, arts and recreation MEC Bulelwa Tunyiswa, MG Mali Attorneys Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, Total garage and local businesses came to the rescue and contributed towards realising his dream and paid for his trip to Florida last year...