Madoda Mabuza wants to be a star actor

Madoda Joseph Mabuza regards himself as the next big actor.

Born and bred in a rural town called Fernie in a section called Ngodlomezi, he never thought his dream of acting and script-writing would be a reality.

It all began at Methula Secondary School where he wrote poems which he afterwards read to his mother.

“The first poem I ever wrote was titled “Amathemba Ayashabala Mangibona Ilizwe Liphela” meaning, hope disappears when I see how the world is.

He performed the poem at school and excelled when it came to speeches.

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This garnered him attention from the teachers who saw his talent and encouraged him to explore it. After he matriculated, Madoda moved to Davel to live with his sister.

He saw a chance to use his talent at her church, which had entered a Sunday school performing arts competition.

After reciting his poem, his team managed to secure third place, propelling him towards the spotlight in the area.

“It was there that I realised I have what it takes to perform and make a living from my talent.” That performance was the beginning of something new as he was head-hunted by the Sinethemba Performing Arts Group.

Though reluctant to attach himself to a group, he eventually went on to become their poet. The group performed in and around Davel with acts that included poetry, dance and singing. It was was during this period that Madoda ventured into script-writing.

The group wanted to make a film portraying life in the township and was looking for scriptwriters and actors. Madoda put his hand up and “Ekasi lami”, my town, was born. He wrote the script for the film and took charge of the lead role, with peer support and recognition as reward.

The film was so well received, followers are still asking for a sequel.

Even though he is self-taught, he has taken it upon himself to attend workshops and training to hone his craft.

His face lights up talking about his training with Ms Dorothy Ann Gould, a legend who has worked and trained the best in the South African television and film industry.

“It was the the best two weeks of my life and I was taught everything.

“It is not just lights, camera and action, but a lot of hard work.

“People watch television and a film and do not see the work that goes into making such so I respect my art.”

Madoda is now a renowned actor and scriptwriter in performing arts circles around Gert Sibande District. The future is exciting for this thespian, he will be embarking on numerous projects in the upcoming year. He has listened to his fans and the sequel “Ekasi Lami” is coming soon.

A motivational tour is in the works which will also be a platform to unearth talent in and around Gert Sibande.

“We have so much raw talent here, just waiting to be discovered.”

Madoda dreams of Hollywood, but is inspired by South African greats, Menzi Ngubane being one of them.

He hopes to walk in the footsteps of Mpumalanga-born artists such as Mcedisi Shabangu. “I am just a boy from Fernie wanting to make it big and I will.”

We may just see him on the big screen one of these days.