Lwazi Mthembu

"The joys: you can do what you love. I’m able to live my dream, which I know is a luxury. I know I’ve risen above so much history and I’m able to dream, that’s a beautiful thing."

"Fat-erasure is still a very tense conversation in casting rooms, and I believe that until we can all have the seemingly difficult conversations, and make bold choices that truly represent South Africa, we will continue to raise a society filled with unnecessary shame, a warped understanding of beauty and the striving for unrealistic aesthetic standards."

"I’ve always understood that we’re on this earth to do something and I’ve known that mine is to do with acting. I am constantly inspired by my love for the craft and the ability to tell beautiful stories through my work. Even though some characters are fictional, the stories I tell are not."

"I have been exposed to phenomenal opportunities and I’m not restricted to the confines of any geographic space. My talent is my passport throughout the world. My work fuels me and my purpose and I can channel the influence I gain into what I call spirit work, that’s an amazing thing to me."

"The industry is still struggling to see plus size actors as romantic leads, or deep intricate story bearers who arent there for just comic relief."

"This campaign is about putting our bodies where our minds are at."

"I dont think it ever truly affected my self-esteem, but I have never been in a body I enjoy, and I sincerely hope to change that."

"I want to empower other women struggling with weight to see their health in a whole new light. I want them to embrace non-scale victories and understand their bodies inside and out. That’s where the real transformation happens — nourishing not only our bodies, but our minds and souls too."

"The conversation is bigger than just fat people on screen, the conversation is bigger, deeper, and definitely political."

"I’d love to be known as somebody who used her influence for the betterment of her people. I want to be remembered as somebody who fought for dignity for all, showed people love, a great mother and a wonderful partner."

"It’s empowering to give a voice to the voiceless."

"Understanding that my talent can take me to places that my pocket cannot."