Meet Alina, the God-fearing shebeen queen

On the Showmax Original reality show Shebeen Queens, Alina Sishange has people talking about how she juggles being a shebeen owner, traditional healer and pastor at the same time.

Sanelisiwe Mhlati caught up with Alina to find out more about her Soweto shebeen, Alina’s Place; how she balances her very different callings; and becoming a reality TV star.

What made you agree to join the reality show?

Something deep inside told me to go for it, so I did.

How was it meeting the other Shebeen Queens cast members?

They’re amazing ladies, and we have fun working together. We’ve become like family.

When did your shebeen start operating?

It officially opened in 2012. We were operating before that, but I kept getting into trouble with the law because I didn’t have the right papers.

Do you agree that your industry has tight competition?

Absolutely. People don’t like seeing others succeed. Before I had my liquor license, competitors would call the cops on me. But God has elevated me and set me apart. This is why I love the scripture Jeremiah 17:7-9 [“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him”] so much.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to own a shebeen?

Go ahead and start your business, but first, get your liquor licence. Also, respect your customers and build relationships with them so they feel welcome. Respect, love, and understanding are key.

How do you keep children away from drinking at the shebeen?

Listen, this shebeen is strictly for adults and it’s been like that since it started. Most people that come here are at least 40 years old.

What are your growth plans for your business?

God willing, I’d love to have a bigger yard to accommodate more customers.

Do you have a child you’d like to pass the business on to?

Yes, Surprise. I’m currently training her to take over.

How many children do you have?

I have a son named Vusi, and I also play a parental role to my sister's two daughters, Mbali and Surprise.

How have your loved ones reacted to you being on a reality show?

My friends have been extremely happy for me, but my sister's reaction was disappointing, though not surprising given our rocky relationship.

What was it like having cameras around all the time?
I got used to it quickly and even started looking forward to shoot days. When filming stopped, I found myself missing the cameras.

What will viewers love most about you?

That I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not. I’ll cuss you out and pray for you at the same time

Do you avoid drama, or do you dish it out?

I love drama and I often start it.

Are you a glitz-and-glam kind of person?

Absolutely! I love fashion. I can even show you my album from when I was growing up. Fashion has always been my thing. I like looking smart.

How would you describe this season?

It goes down this season! There are plenty of happy and emotional moments, as well as valuable life lessons for viewers.

What was the hardest scene you’ve shot?

Eish, the toughest scene was when my sister swore at me. I cried so much that day; my heart was so sore.

How many siblings do you have?

There were three of us, but my brother has passed away.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, what other jobs did you have?

I used to work at a firm called Crown Mine and was doing very well, but some colleagues were unhappy about that and even went so far as to bewitch me. After completing my traditional healing initiation, I worked for a few years as a healer. 

Can you tell us how you became a traditional healer?

My late grandmother introduced me to ubungoma (traditional healing) through a dream. These dreams kept haunting me until I accepted the calling. Becoming a pastor and entrepreneur came afterward.

Which church are you a member of?

I’m a member of the Church of Christ. Before that, I attended a Zion church, but I didn’t stay long because the men there kept making advances toward me, which I didn’t appreciate.

Do your church members know you’re a traditional healer?

Yes, they do. My church knows everything about my past and has accepted me.

How did the church react to you owning a shebeen?

They never judged me. I’m also not the only one; there’s another lady in a different branch who owns a shebeen. Some church members even come to my place to enjoy a drink or two.

Do you feel like you’re living a double life?

I prayed to God about this business venture. The shebeen doesn’t interfere with my church responsibilities. I fulfil both roles to the best of my ability.

You seem very devoted to the church and the business. Is there a man in your life?

I won’t lie to you;  it’s been about five or six years since I’ve had a partner. I like my life to progress and grow and the men I’ve been with have wasted my time. I’ve never had someone that wanted to take care of me; instead most men wanted to benefit from me. I now prefer living a stress-free life.

Catch new episodes of Shebeen Queens only on Showmax, every Thursday.