Dineo Rasedile from Secunda makes her name big on Netflix
She initially auditioned for a different character in Justice Served, however, it was a callback chemistry test that landed her the role of Itu.
Our very own local and talented Dineo Rasedile (31) plays the role of Itu Mashaba in the six-part drama series Justice Served which aired on Netflix on July 29.
Justice Served was rated in the top 10 most watched shows in 10 countries on Netflix.
The drama series is about a band of freedom fighters invading the trial of a white policeman who shot a black man and a hostage situation unfolds.
Rasedile plays alongside Lerato Mvelase (Brigadier Mashaba, as Itu’s mother) and Jack Devnarain (General Hassan) AKA Rajesh Kumar on Isidingo, and sides with the freedom fighters.
Born and raised in Secunda, Rasedile matriculated from Hoërskool Secunda in 2008.
“I was never the sporty type. If there was an opera, review, theatre production or choir, I shined, that was my thing,” said Rasedile.
At the age of six, she was enrolled in dancing classes and throughout her upbringing, had danced and performed in front of many audiences.
She pursued her dreams and went to train at Stagedoor Academy in Centurion for three years.
Through an agent, she landed herself a few TV commercials and smaller roles and then in 2017 landed a more serious and bigger role in a SABC TV series called Ambitions where she was cast as Yolanda.
Since then she has also been featured on MTV’s Shuga Down South and also in a UK-featured film Sulphur and White.
However, it was in Scandal where Rasedile became more recognised after playing the character Yanga.
She also acted in a Netherlands series Commandos and featured in a role in the paranormal series Dead Places.
This was Rasedile’s Netflix debut.
She went on to SABC’s telenovela Estate which finished at the beginning of this year.
Rasedile initially auditioned for a different character in Justice Served, however, it was a callback chemistry test that landed her the role of Itu.
Filming began in August 2021 and premiered in July this year.
“I have the most supportive family who encouraged me into the arts.
“It has been a long and tough journey to get to this point, but my family has always been there and are my biggest cheerleaders,” said Rasedile.
She said there are so many talented youngsters in the area, however, there are no local film and TV industries.
Her heart is set on a goal to help nurture and guide local talents into the filming industry.
“There is a lot of interest and love for the arts. We have a lot of talented young people here who ask me how they can get in and start.
“I have seen a gap that I can fill and I want to bridge Secunda and the hub,” said Rasedile.
She advised those who want to pursue a career in acting to do a lot of research.
She said that acting is also achievable coming from a small town and with technology at one’s fingertip, there are channels and pages on YouTube that gives advice and online workshops on how to start.
“I want to encourage the youth not to wait to be discovered. You have all information on your phone or computer.”
Rasedile has a YouTube channel where she gives out acting tips, films fun facts, how to get in touch with agents, behind the scenes and much more.
Behind the scenes is Rasedile’s favourite part of filming.
“I am the type of person who loves seeing things come together. This is where I do most of my learning and taking down of notes by having conversations with the more experienced actors and directors.”
Although hush about her upcoming films, the smile on her face and giggle tells that whatever is in the pipeline, it is going to be
big and that we will be seeing more of our small-town girl Dineo on our screens.
