From Diepsloot community theatre to national television screens and theatres

He hails from the dusty streets of Diepsloot Township. Sipho Mdingi, a South African actor, dancer, singer and choreographer, is on a mission to secure new roles in the industry in 2021and lend a helping hand to local aspiring actors.

Mdingi, who was born in the Eastern Cape Province 25 years ago and moved to Johannesburg in 2006 to live with his parents, did not know that what he started as a hobby would become his lifetime career.

In the 13 years of his performing art career, Mdingi has performed in a number of stage shows and appeared in many different television drama series like Impilo played on 1Magic TV in 2019 as Mnqobi, the son of Khulubuse and Nokulunga and also appeared in a number of TV commercials.

“I started doing theatre at a very good age when I was doing Grade 4 in Musenga Vhadzimu Primary School in Diepsloot,” he said.
“I had my first performance in Joburg Theatre in the same year. From that very first performance in Joburg Theatre, I have never looked back and I have since performed in many different festivals.

“I’ve performed in theatres like Zwakala Theatre Festival, the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, the Barnyard Theatre, the Windybrow Theatre (Ishashalazi
Festival), The Market Theatre, Olive Tree Theatre and The State Theatre to mention the few.”
Mdingi added that working with different people and captains of the industry in different productions has equipped him with much-needed knowledge about the industry that he wants to share with young and aspiring actors in Diepsloot Township.

“My biggest goal is to become a bridge between the upcoming local talent and art industry. I have learned a lot working in this highly competitive industry for the past 13 years. I want to inspire not one but a large number of young people who want to be in the art industry. They just need to put more love and discipline in their work and be persistent in order to reach their dreams.”