20 Questions: 20 questions with Lunga Simelane

Lunga Simelane is an accomplished political journalist with a passion for pop culture and historical romances. When asked about her favorite book, she enthusiastically recommends the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn. Her top film choices are American Gangster, both old and new. Lunga enjoys the K-drama series "Tale of the Nine Tailed" as her favorite series, regardless of whether it's recent or from the past.

The political journalist admits to having ordered a showerhead online, which might not be the most intriguing purchase, but it held her attention nonetheless. The last screenshot she took on her phone was from a recent article published by Daily Maverick. WhatsApp is her most frequently used app.

Lunga has a fondness for trivia, particularly pop culture-related tidbits that are often considered useless but easily remembered. If she could relive a specific experience, it would be spending five days on an international cruise, basking in the peace and surreal atmosphere of being surrounded by the vast ocean.

When it comes to choosing a seat on a plane, Lunga always goes for a window seat to enjoy the view. She imagines herself as a princess, duchess or viscountess, experiencing the royal lifestyle, lavish gowns, grand balls, and castles, alongside the responsibilities that come with it. Lunga's career highlight includes winning the Vodacom Journalist of the Year award at both regional and national levels in the Sustainability category and being a finalist in the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards.

People often find it surprising that she is a very soft, romantic lover girl, despite not being particularly social. This revelation usually leads them to be surprised by her soft and affectionate nature. If Lunga were not working in her current role, she would likely be in the travel and tourism industry, as she loves exploring different places, cultures, and ways of life.

Her most-worn item in her wardrobe is her Arsenal football jersey. The best advice she's received is to always be enough and to unapologetically be herself. Lunga admires her mother, acknowledging her strength and resilience. Her current guilty pleasure includes K-dramas, good food, a glass of wine after a long week, and booking trips she might not need to take just yet. If Lunga could travel anywhere tomorrow, Italy would be her destination of choice.