As all of us must be aware by now, Trevor Noah made his debut as host of one of the world’s (probably the world’s) most watched comedy show – The Daily Show. And he didn’t disappoint the least bit, for those of us who watched it. Our man got an A (pardon our bias!).
South Africa – and well-wishers in the whole of Africa were ‘presenting the show’ with him, wishing he did not make a gaffe under the curious and critical eyes of the world audience. You see, The Daily Show is not like Blacks Only Show at Montecasino – with due respect to the latter.
Besides the hype, there are three things South Africans – young and old alike – should learn from the indefatigable Noah.
- Ambition
If Trevor wanted he could have stayed in South Africa performing to sold out audiences in posh venues – by South African standards that is. He wasn’t starving; he could afford fine things in life – an above-average car, a house in an exclusive suburb, and a holiday to some exotic destination, at least once a year. But he believed he was bigger and better than that; that he could achieve more.
Surely, he is an inspiration to fellow black youth to look beyond the confines of South Africa, Africa to be more exact.
- Explore the world
South Africa is only a small dot in the world. There are bigger and more sophisticated markets that one should aspire to compete in. Talent, hard work and focus can get you to horizons you never dreamed about. To boot, Trevor Noah has shown that he has both in abundance.
- Confidence
Trevor Noah is one very confident young man who is just himself. He does not pretend to be someone he is not – he is as South African as biltong. That’s why he has impressed Americans the most with his sincerity and authenticity. He sounds foreign – that’s the flavor America, a country built through the sweat and brow of immigrants wants. They don’t care where you come from.
Thus, as South Africans, we have to overcome our inferiority complex when pitted against developed countries. We tend to have a low opinion of ourselves sometimes. A Soweto-born and bred lad has shown us the way and is competing on the world stage!
