Plumstead’s Jamie-Lee Domburg, one of the winners of Presenter Search on 3, says she is grateful to her strong mother and her five-year work experience on a cruise ship for equipping her with skills needed to take on new challenges.
The former Steenberg resident, who attended Harmony Primary School and Steenberg High School, was a stay-at-home mother to her 10-month-old son, Luca, before winning the contest. It was just four months ago that Jamie-Lee decided to take a shot on a local television show, but her mother, Patricia, says she always knew her daughter was destined for fame.
She explains: “From a young age, Jamie-Lee always used to be into art, dancing and karate. She got gold for hip hop dancing, ballet and modern dancing. She always said, ‘One day, the stage is going to be mine,’ – and look today!”
Patricia says she was overwhelmed when Jamie-Lee was announced as one of the new presenters on SABC3’s Expresso Morning Show on Thursday 31 October. Kuhle Adams was the other contestant chosen.
“I just burst out crying. The past four months have been so intense. She’d practise and practise and say, ‘I don’t know if I made it to next week,’ and then she did. We went through all the emotions.”
Jamie-Lee, now with a sharp learning curve ahead of her, says she’s ready for the cut-throat television industry. Before motherhood, she travelled far and wide as part of a cruise ship’s crew and entertainment personnel; sailing to Europe, America and the Caribbean.
“It’s very similar (to TV) because you always have to be up and be positive. You don’t have an off switch, so that did prepare me for this venture,” says Jamie-Lee.
She adds that her mother and their close-knit family also take some of the strain off her.
“I have the best support group. She (Patricia) is the best Ouma in the universe. I have peace of mind, knowing she’s going to be home with Luca.”
She takes notes of the director’s comments, production crew notes and ways to improve her craft.
“I’ve learned to trust the timing and your season. Your day is going to come. Just be patient. I’ve been at rock bottom, but I had to trust it would get better.”
