Writer/ Director: Isaac Sithole

Cast: Dimpho Gift Nkhahle, Tumelo Mduduzi Mdabuli, Naledi Karabelo Khaalo & Atlehang Dlamini

Isaac Ezaiah Sithole

Isaac Ezaiah Sithole is a dynamic South African theatre practitioner, visual artist, and arts administrator, currently serving as the Managing Director of Generation of Star’s. A multifaceted creative, he is an accomplished actor, playwright, director, puppeteer, and visual artist whose work seamlessly bridges performance, cultural storytelling, community engagement, and youth development.

Born and raised in Sharpeville, Isaac discovered his passion for the arts at primary school level. His early exposure to theatre ignited a lifelong commitment to artistic excellence and social transformation through the performing arts. Over the years, he has developed a distinguished career marked by active involvement in theatre productions, creative workshops, and community youth development initiatives, continuously refining his expertise in performance, writing, directing, and production management.

Isaac holds a qualification in Human Resources Management from Damelin and furthered his academic development in Business Studies at the University of South Africa. His academic background has strengthened his leadership, administration, and organizational skills, enabling him to successfully lead arts development projects and creative enterprises.

As a playwright and performer, Isaac has written, directed, and performed in several impactful theatre productions. His early work includes 21 March Sharpeville Massacre (2007), a production reflecting on South Africa’s historical and social realities. In 2008, he founded and artistically led the SAGURU Giant Puppet Company, further expanding his creative expression through puppetry and street performance art.

Isaac also served as founder and Artistic Director of The Giant Match Association for the acclaimed production Meet My In-Laws, a successful collaboration between the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the French Institute of South Africa, and Les Grandes Personnes.

Among his notable theatre works are Iqunga by Luyanda Sidiya, Washonaphi, and DIKAKAPA, directed by Lebeko J. Nketu. DIKAKAPA received two prestigious Standard Bank Standing Ovation Awards (Blue and Bronze) at the National Arts Festival in 2017. In 2022, Isaac’s production Kgetho, which he wrote and directed, earned a Bronze Standard Bank Standing Ovation Award at the same festival.

His contributions to theatre have also been recognized by the Gauteng Ishashalazi Programme, where his work received the award for Most Promising Production. He further achieved recognition as a winner of the Zwakala Theatre Festival hosted by the Market Theatre. In addition, Isaac has received four nominations at the Naledi Theatre Awards and numerous accolades for productions he has written and directed.

As a puppeteer and visual artist, Isaac has created and performed extensively with the SAGURU Giant Puppet Company. His innovative puppetry and performance work has been showcased at theatre and street festivals across Africa and Europe, reflecting his commitment to accessible, socially conscious, and visually engaging storytelling.

Through his leadership at Generation of Star’s and his ongoing artistic practice, Isaac Ezaiah Sithole continues to champion theatre and visual arts as powerful tools for education, empowerment, cultural preservation, and social transformation.

Tumelo Mduduzi Modabuli

Tumelo Mduduzi Modabuli is a dynamic South African theatre-maker, actor, music composer, director, choreographer, and facilitator whose work continues to shape emerging contemporary storytelling within the country’s performing arts landscape. Born and raised in Sharpeville, Gauteng, Tumelo’s artistic voice is deeply rooted in community narratives, cultural identity, and the transformative power of performance.

A graduate of Mohloli Secondary School, Tumelo began cultivating his artistic journey at an early age. In 2015, he further developed his craft through the Generations of Stars programme, where his passion for performance, movement, and storytelling was ignited. Fluent in isiZulu, Sesotho, and English, he seamlessly bridges cultures and audiences through emotionally resonant and authentic performances.

Tumelo has established himself as a versatile creative force both on stage and behind the scenes. His film work includes appearing in the 2020 production Kwanele, while his theatre career has earned widespread recognition across South Africa’s festival circuit. As a performer, he captivated audiences in Kgetho, where he played the lead role at the National Arts Festival, earning a Bronze Standing Ovation in 2022. His creative leadership has also been evident in acclaimed productions such as Selekane, for which he served as music composer, and Seja Monna, which he directed for the Inner City School Festival.

His work has received numerous accolades, reflecting both artistic excellence and innovation. Among his achievements are:

Best Music Composer at the Independent Theatre Awards for Selekane (2024)

Best Director, Best Ensemble, and Best Music for How Do I Plead at the MaFube Class Act Festival (2026)

Best Production at the Haunting Directors Festival for Selekane (2023)

Best Production at the Inner City School Festival for Seja Monna (2023)

Best Production at the MACHF Theatre Festival for Selekane (2022)

Bronze Standing Ovation at the National Arts Festival for Kgetho (2022)

Most Promising Production at Gauteng Ishashalazi for Kgetho (2021)

Most Promising Production at Gauteng Ishashalazi for Motswadi (2019)


Driven by a commitment to storytelling that educates, heals, and inspires, Tumelo Mduduzi Modabuli continues to create work that amplifies community voices and challenges audiences to reflect on identity, humanity, and social transformation. His artistic journey reflects a fearless dedication to creativity and a deep belief in the power of the arts to change lives.

Dimpho Gift Nkhahle

Dimpho Gift Nkhahle is a passionate and dedicated South African theatre performer whose journey in the dramatic arts began with academic excellence and a deep commitment to storytelling. After achieving a distinction in Dramatic Arts during his secondary school education, he further pursued his passion at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed three years of study in Theatre and Performance Studies.

In 2025, Dimpho stepped into the professional theatre industry through an opportunity with the theatre company Generations of Stars. Under the company, he played a leading role in a theatre production written by Vice Motshabi Monageng and directed by Isaac Sithole. The production was showcased at the prestigious National Arts Festival as well as the iconic Market Theatre. During the same year, he also participated in a socially conscious theatre project highlighting the challenges faced by communities around the Sharpeville area.

Continuing to establish himself as a dynamic stage performer, Dimpho took on another leading role in 2026 in the theatre production Molaetsa, directed by Isaac Sithole, presented in celebration of the tenth anniversary of Thembisa Theatre Week.

Driven by discipline, creativity, and a strong connection to socially relevant storytelling, Dimpho Gift Nkhahle continues to grow as an emerging force in contemporary South African theatre. 

Naledi Karabelo Khaalo

Naledi is a dynamic theatre practitioner whose work spans acting, dramaturgy, and performance-making. Known for her emotionally resonant and socially engaged storytelling, she brings a compelling presence to the stage—both as a performer and a creative collaborator. Her artistic practice is grounded in community, collaboration, and a belief in theatre as a space for transformation, dialogue, and reflection.

Throughout her career, Naledi has worked with a range of theatre companies, including TX THEATER, where she has brought to life both classical and contemporary works. Her performances are marked by nuanced character portrayals, innovative staging, and a commitment to inclusive creative processes.

She is particularly drawn to projects that amplify underrepresented voices and explore complex themes such as identity, power, and resilience. Her work often integrates multimedia, movement, and immersive elements, pushing the boundaries of traditional performance.

Naledi is also a dedicated educator, having led workshops that empower emerging artists and promote accessibility in the arts. Her contributions to South African theatre have earned her critical acclaim and industry recognition:

Standard Bank Ovation Awards at the Makhanda National Arts Festival:

Winner - 2018, 2019

2024 – Winner and Bronze Ovation Award recipient


Best Female Actress Nominee – Ishashalazi Festival (2017)

Best Show Winner – Dikakapa (2017), co-directed by Lebeko Nketu and Isaac Sithole, presented at the Market Theatre with a two-month incubation residency

Collaborated with TX THEATRE on The Chanting Youth, written and directed by Ronald "Votos" Manganye


Naledi continues to develop original works that challenge artistic norms and advocate for a vibrant, accessible, and equitable theatre landscape. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, she remains committed to using performance as a tool for connection, reflection, and change.