Media mogul and former Miss South Africa Basetsana Kumalo is celebrating her 51st birthday this weekend, on March 29. Unlike last year’s extravagant three-day celebration for her milestone 50th birthday, this year, she is opting for a more low-key and reflective celebration.
Taking to social media, Kumalo expressed her gratitude for life and the love that surrounds her.
“I wake up today with a feeling of deep gratitude for another year to celebrate the gift of life. I am thankful for health, for family, for friends. I am thankful for the love that surrounds me. Lord, I thank You for it all,” she shared.
Speaking to The Citizen, Kumalo shared that she has no plans for a big celebration this year, as she is still cherishing the memories of her lavish 50th birthday festivities.
“I had my best 50th birthday – a three-day epic weekend with my nearest and dearest, my loved ones. And I think I’m still actually on a high about my 50th birthday. So I will probably take it easy, maybe go to a spa and just have a day of reflection,” she said.
For Kumalo, turning 51 is about appreciating life, health, and family.
“I’m just so grateful for life, grateful that God has blessed me with good health. I’m grateful for family, I’m grateful for so many things. I don’t take anything for granted, and I am conscious of living a life of gratitude. Reflecting on the past decade of her life, Kumalo says she has learned valuable lessons, including the importance of trusting her instincts and choosing her battles wisely.”
“The biggest lessons I have learned in my life journey are to always trust your instincts. You know, you are the product of the people you spend time with. Don’t be afraid to fail. I think it’s important to have audacious dreams. I believe it was Barack Obama who once said that if your dream does not scare you, then it’s not big enough (the quote is actually attributed to former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf). And I think also, over the last few years, I’ve learned to choose my battles.”
For Kumalo, personal growth is a continuous journey, and she embraces every opportunity to learn and evolve.
“It’s important in life not to stagnate in anything that you do – always remain open to new learnings. I’m very, very curious about life, constantly wanting to learn new things, gain new knowledge, and so on. And I’m really of the old school in how I run businesses and how I raise my children. I just think every day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and evolve.”
