Latest news with #Naledi
The Star
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Theatre's big night: A celebration of Naledi Awards
The red carpet shimmered with elegance and anticipation as the who's who of South African theatre gathered under the lights of the South African State Theatre for the much-awaited Naledi Theatre Awards. The theme for this year — "We Still See You" — echoed like a heartbeat through the grand auditorium, where celebration, memory, and artistry came together in unforgettable harmony. Hosted by the magnetic CEO Lihan Pretorius, alongside the charming co-host and award-winning actress Ntambo Rapatla, the evening was nothing short of spectacular. From the very first performance by the visionary Vuyani Dance Company, the stage came alive with thunderous applause, as guests dressed to the nines filled every corner of the theatre. This year's ceremony carried a profound emotional weight, paying tribute to theatre legends who have passed — Presley Chweneyagae, Athol Fugard, Connie Chiume, Dada Masilo, Sello Motloung, and more — reminding us that their lights still shine through every curtain call and encore. A pianist and vocal tribute brought tears to many, while the audience responded with standing ovations, singing and clapping in a collective embrace of memory. Founder Dawn Lindberg's legacy continues to soar, with Lihan Lindberg and the Naledi team elevating the awards to new heights. Among the esteemed adjudicators was the accomplished actress Gcebile Dlamini, whose presence reinforced the integrity and passion behind each decision. Noteworthy winners of the evening included: Raymond Skinner for Aladdin Jr. (People's Theatre, with ASSITEJ SA) – Best Performance for Young Audiences - Alex Sono for Yangthola – Best Performance in Independent/Fringe Theatre Taxi Wars – Best Independent/Fringe Production Neo Kele (Sister Act, Fourways High School) – Best Student Performance Godspell (Oakfields College) – Best Student Production Nicole Ferreira-Dill – Best Dance Performance in Sleeping Beauty: Thami Tshabalala & Pgume Sikhakhane – Best Choreography for No Air, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Joburg Ballet) – Best Dance Production Job: Kubatsi (The Suit) and Khutso Green (Ka Leitso La Moya) – Best Supporting Performances in a Play: Jonathan Conrad (Spring Awakening) – Breakthrough Performance, delivering a moving acceptance: 'This is for everyone who ever felt out of place.' The Lesedi Spirit of Courage Award brought the house to silence as it was awarded to Mark Hawkins, a resilient pioneer of classical ballet who, despite personal loss and physical amputation during COVID-19, continues to choreograph and teach inclusively. From the roaring laughter of Marianne Thamm (Round of Applause Reloaded) to the soul-stirring depth of Cara Roberts (The King of Broken Things), solo performers reminded us of theatre's power to hold an entire world within a single body. Spring Awakening swept numerous categories, including Best Ensemble in a Musical, Best Musical Direction – Amy Campbell Best Sound Design – Davis Classen Best Supporting Male in Musical – Francis Chouler Best Lead Male and Female in Musical – Dylan Janse van Rensburg and Carmen Pretorius Best Production of a Musical or Opera Lebitso La Moya (South African State Theatre) claimed Best Production of a Play, with Josias Dos Moleele and Charmaine Weir-Smith winning Best Lead Performances in a Play. The Best New South African Script/Adaptation went to Rosalind Butler for Expelled. Other highlights: Best Costume Design – Mariska Meyer (Beauty and the Beast) Best AV/Set Design – Andrew Timm & Enos Ramoroko Best Lighting Design – Michael Taylor-Broderick (The King of Broken Things) The Stand Mohlopi Award was presented to Luyanda Sidiya and Thoko Seganye for making waves in silence. The CEO's Innovation Award was given to Vuyani Dance Company, celebrating 25 years of world-class, socially conscious movement. A special moment arrived when the Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Dr. Sebongiseni Mkhize, honouring his unwavering leadership in the arts, heritage, and cultural sectors. With awe-inspiring musical acts, dancers, and even a smoke machine spectacle, the night even a smoke machine spectacle, the night was both a feast for the senses and a balm for the soul. In a heartfelt speech, Gregory Maqoma, founder of Vuyani Dance Company, passionately called on the South African government to continue supporting the arts. The full ceremony is available to stream on SAST TV, South Africa's only dedicated digital theatre platform — because the Naledi Awards, like theatre itself, are a gift that keeps on giving. In the words of many echoed on the night: Theatre is alive — and we still see you. Ngomane PhD Candidate | University of the WitwatersrandTheatre Practitioner | Researcher | Dramaturge
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Theatre's big night: A celebration of Naledi Awards
The red carpet shimmered with elegance and anticipation as the who's who of South African theatre gathered under the lights of the South African State Theatre for the much-awaited Naledi Theatre Awards. The theme for this year — "We Still See You" — echoed like a heartbeat through the grand auditorium, where celebration, memory, and artistry came together in unforgettable harmony. Hosted by the magnetic CEO Lihan Pretorius, alongside the charming co-host and award-winning actress Ntambo Rapatla, the evening was nothing short of spectacular. From the very first performance by the visionary Vuyani Dance Company, the stage came alive with thunderous applause, as guests dressed to the nines filled every corner of the theatre. This year's ceremony carried a profound emotional weight, paying tribute to theatre legends who have passed — Presley Chweneyagae, Athol Fugard, Connie Chiume, Dada Masilo, Sello Motloung, and more — reminding us that their lights still shine through every curtain call and encore. A pianist and vocal tribute brought tears to many, while the audience responded with standing ovations, singing and clapping in a collective embrace of memory. Founder Dawn Lindberg's legacy continues to soar, with Lihan Lindberg and the Naledi team elevating the awards to new heights. Among the esteemed adjudicators was the accomplished actress Gcebile Dlamini, whose presence reinforced the integrity and passion behind each decision. Noteworthy winners of the evening included: Raymond Skinner for Aladdin Jr. (People's Theatre, with ASSITEJ SA) – Best Performance for Young Audiences - Alex Sono for Yangthola – Best Performance in Independent/Fringe Theatre Taxi Wars – Best Independent/Fringe Production Neo Kele (Sister Act, Fourways High School) – Best Student Performance Godspell (Oakfields College) – Best Student Production Nicole Ferreira-Dill – Best Dance Performance in Sleeping Beauty: Thami Tshabalala & Pgume Sikhakhane – Best Choreography for No Air, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Joburg Ballet) – Best Dance Production Job: Kubatsi (The Suit) and Khutso Green (Ka Leitso La Moya) – Best Supporting Performances in a Play: Jonathan Conrad (Spring Awakening) – Breakthrough Performance, delivering a moving acceptance: 'This is for everyone who ever felt out of place.' The Lesedi Spirit of Courage Award brought the house to silence as it was awarded to Mark Hawkins, a resilient pioneer of classical ballet who, despite personal loss and physical amputation during COVID-19, continues to choreograph and teach inclusively. From the roaring laughter of Marianne Thamm (Round of Applause Reloaded) to the soul-stirring depth of Cara Roberts (The King of Broken Things), solo performers reminded us of theatre's power to hold an entire world within a single body. Spring Awakening swept numerous categories, including Best Ensemble in a Musical, Best Musical Direction – Amy Campbell Best Sound Design – Davis Classen Best Supporting Male in Musical – Francis Chouler Best Lead Male and Female in Musical – Dylan Janse van Rensburg and Carmen Pretorius Best Production of a Musical or Opera Lebitso La Moya (South African State Theatre) claimed Best Production of a Play, with Josias Dos Moleele and Charmaine Weir-Smith winning Best Lead Performances in a Play. The Best New South African Script/Adaptation went to Rosalind Butler for Expelled. Other highlights: Best Costume Design – Mariska Meyer (Beauty and the Beast) Best AV/Set Design – Andrew Timm & Enos Ramoroko Best Lighting Design – Michael Taylor-Broderick (The King of Broken Things) The Stand Mohlopi Award was presented to Luyanda Sidiya and Thoko Seganye for making waves in silence. The CEO's Innovation Award was given to Vuyani Dance Company, celebrating 25 years of world-class, socially conscious movement. A special moment arrived when the Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Dr. Sebongiseni Mkhize, honouring his unwavering leadership in the arts, heritage, and cultural sectors. With awe-inspiring musical acts, dancers, and even a smoke machine spectacle, the night even a smoke machine spectacle, the night was both a feast for the senses and a balm for the soul. In a heartfelt speech, Gregory Maqoma, founder of Vuyani Dance Company, passionately called on the South African government to continue supporting the arts. The full ceremony is available to stream on SAST TV, South Africa's only dedicated digital theatre platform — because the Naledi Awards, like theatre itself, are a gift that keeps on giving. In the words of many echoed on the night: Theatre is alive — and we still see you. Ngomane PhD Candidate | University of the WitwatersrandTheatre Practitioner | Researcher | Dramaturge
The South African
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Are Zimbabwean fans choosing Mawhoo over Naledi Aphiwe?
When South African singer Mawhoo stepped on stage in Zimbabwe this past weekend, she didn't just perform; she connected. Mawhoo performed in Harare at Karma on 31 May. After a lively set filled with sing-alongs and love from the crowd, the artist took to Facebook to share her feelings: 'I want Zim to adopt me… what a sing along…' And just like that, Zimbabweans were sold. The comments came flooding in, fans praising her music, her energy, and most of all, her humility. But Mawhoo's Zimbabwean love story comes just a week after another South African star, Naledi Aphiwe, left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans in Zimbabwe. Last week, when a Zimbabwean admirer politely asked if Naledi Aphiwe could visit the country, Naledi shot back with a cheeky. A TikTok user, Constance Muzenda, commented on one of Naledi's posts, saying: 'Naledi, please come to Zimbabwe.' In response, Naledi replied: ' Hambani niyongilinda khona ,' which translates to 'Go and wait for me there.' The response, meant to be playful, didn't land well. Zimbabwean social media users were quick to label her response as dismissive, even disrespectful. And now, they're drawing a clear line between the two artists and picking sides. Here is how Zimbabweans reacted: @Akeem Dembo: 'South Africans will grow jealous after seeing this.' @Sean Craig: ' Mawhoo, please don't come with Naledi…' @InterpreterIIMlambo: ' Better than Aphiwe Naledi..' @Daisline Tashly: 'Oky, but please, Naledi must stay there, we don't want her in Zimbabwe. ' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Dineo Langa on peeling back the layers in Unseen S2
When we're first introduced to Naledi, portrayed by Dineo Langa, in the first season of Unseen, she's portrayed as a dynamic woman, married to a doctor. She's fiery, driven and full of spirit. As the sister of the main character (Zenzi, played by Gail Mabalane), Dineo has described the experience of playing Naledi as deeply insightful. To fully embody the role, she often found herself immersing in Gail's world, constantly exploring the emotional depth of her character by asking, 'how would this make her feel?' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dineo Langa (@dineomoeketsi) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dineo Langa (@dineomoeketsi) A lot of the prepping came down to understanding how to plot the world and the emotional points. She would also find musical associations for her character before stepping into her scene. She says, 'As soon as I knew that my lady had run away at a very young age, I knew that my lady had worked very hard to suppress whatever trauma that she had gone through. I knew that my lady had locked away her past, in a 'stronger than most' kind of way.' Stepping into the characters The second season breaks away the peels from Dineo's character and pushes us into her traumatic past. She and Gail got to meet the actors who play the younger versions of their characters. It was an expressive moment of getting to see how they explained their worlds to each other. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dineo Langa (@dineomoeketsi) 'We've watched the Blood and Water, we've watched them do Unseen, we've watched them do so many other things and they really are amazing storytellers. So me having the chance to meet the younger versions but also now having the root of the trauma, the point at which Naledi runs away, how it affects her physically. The trauma is so deep that she is a girl who throws up at the sight of a roadside, you know? So it goes that far deep.' READ MORE | Gail Mabalane on her first lead role in Netflix's Unseen - 'It's something that I don't take for granted' The sisters confront the trauma of reconnecting with their abusive past in a way reflects the complex dynamics of sisterhood. The older sister shoulders the responsibility of picking up the pieces, while the younger one withdraws, avoiding the emotional weight of it all. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dineo Langa (@dineomoeketsi) 'In an abused environment, Naledi goes, 'I can't,' which is not understandable to a firstborn who needs their sister in the form of Naledi. It's not understandable that you're gonna dip when we've got a mother with a chronic illness and you're just gonna run away. That is not fathomable in Zenzi's world because, again, the level of responsibility and what she's been raised with.' Being unseen While the story centers on Zenzile and the often-invisible lives of domestic workers, Dineo highlights how it also mirrors the broader reality of women in South Africa today. 'So the dynamic of even being seen—people will say, 'Yeah, women are doing so much more today.' But there's a large percentage of women who are just being told, 'Hey, your part. Don't do more than that.' Yet, she adds, even when they shrink themselves or stay silent, they're still met with the same criticism and scrutiny.
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga primary school pupils treated for food poisoning after eating oranges
The schoolchildren had headaches, upset stomachs and started vomiting. The Mpumalanga Department of Education is investigating after 30 pupils were rushed to hospital after showing symptoms of food poisoning. Primary school pupils rushed to hospital It is alleged that on Thursday last week the pupils from MP Mokoena Primary School in Marite, Bushbuckridge, were rushed to Mapulaneng Hospital where they were treated for food poisoning. They complained about headaches, vomiting and had upset stomachs. The Mpumalanga Department of Education's head of communication Jasper Zwane confirmed the incident and said an investigation was underway to establish the cause of the illness. 'Indeed, there were 30 learners who complained about stomach pains. They were rushed to the hospital, they were observed and released the same day. They were back in class the following day. The cause is yet to be confirmed,' said Zwane. ALSO READ: SA's food poisoning crisis: Government's response isn't dealing with the real issues Mpumalanga Department of Health spokesperson Dumisani Malamule added: 'All the learners were stable, none had severe symptoms. They were seen by doctors. All the learners were discharged with treatment to take home on the same day.' Oranges blamed for food poisoning A parent, who did not want to be named, said during a meeting held at the school, it was established that the children had eaten oranges just an hour before they started vomiting. 'We were told that our children were given oranges contaminated with the chemicals used to spray at the farm. Remember, these are young children, mostly from the lower grades, so they did not wash the fruit before consuming them,' said a worried mother. Recently, South Africa has experienced many food poisoning incidents in which pupils were hospitalised. NOW READ: 'This feels like a curse' – Emotions run high at memorial for Naledi food poisoning victims
