Actor makes home town proud with Safta win
Actor, playwright and director from KaNyamazane, Mncedisi Shabangu, attributes his recent win at the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) to collaboration.
MBOMBELA- Shabangu scooped the award for best-supporting actor for his role as Khulekani on eTV’s soapie, Rhythm City.
He excitedly put it out that he is the first in the history of KaNyamazane to win a Safta. He said he considered the award as affirmation that those in the arts industry are also important.
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“This validates our contribution as role players in the arts as a collective. I believe that none of these achievements would be possible if it wasn’t for the collective effort,” he asserted.
Being groomed and nurtured in the province until he was able to showcase his talents in Johannesburg, taught him a lot about the benefits of working as a group. He also expressed his appreciation to his family and others who have contributed to his success.
“This award belongs to the people of KaNyamazane because their stories have put me on the world map. I thank my wife and children for allowing me the space to be away from home and the courage to support me in anything that l do,” he said.
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Shabangu mentioned that he was introduced to theatre by his mother. He later wrote, directed and acted in various productions such as Asinamali, The Suitcase and many more.
“My siblings were supportive, as well as Bond Buthelezi who gave me my first role in a play, and my teachers at Khaliphani Senior Secondary School for allowing me to experiment with ideas.
“This award is dedicated to the memory of my late mentor, Girdon Motha and every other artist from KaNyamazane. I hope that we continue to put our township on the map. To all the artists out there – it is possible, nobody was born a star and role models are made out of ordinary people,” he concluded.
