Siboniso is living his dream
WINDSOR – Siboniso Mabaso's passion for writing started over a decade ago.
Siboniso Mabaso’s scriptwriting career only came to light recently after spending many years of writing for the television and film industry without any compensation.
This scriptwriter from Windsor developed and nurtured his writing talent more than a decade ago. He has since written for television shows such as Big Brother Africa, Laugh out Loud, theatre plays, SABC’s Muvhango and Isidingo.
He is currently writing for local SABC’s soap, Skeem Saam, which recently won best popular soap at the 10th South African Television and Film Awards (SAFTAs).
“I’ve written a lot of content which I wanted to share with the country but I did not have the platform,” he explained referring to limited opportunities.
“When you are in that situation, you have to make the best out of it,” he continued.
Siboniso arrived in Joburg from KwaZulu-Natal in 2006 to pursue his writing career. He featured on YOTV as a guest presenter in 2005 and as a writer, he scooped a contract with Umoja and began to write theatre plays until he went back to television.
He emphasised that competition is very high in the film fraternity. “Remember I am not the only writer in the country, once I slip and make that mistake, someone will come from nowhere and take over. You need to be on your feet all the time, you’ve got no time to rest,” he said.
Siboniso endorsed the SABC’s decision to bring most of the local content on television. He was adamant that this decision will open opportunities for local writers and content producers.
“TV and film in SA have been under pressure for the longest time, I think its independence has only been brought to light a few weeks ago when SABC announced the 90 per cent quota for South African content,” he explained.
He further indicated that it was painful to see creative producers and scriptwriters unable to generate income from their work.
“I think this platform provided by SABC will expose a lot of talent and also bring South African content to the television,” he concluded.
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