Umnqophiso The Covenant
Umnqophiso The Covenant
Theatre / Centenary Hall

Umnqophiso The Covenant where ancestral whispers meet contemporary echoes. This evocative installation performance explores South Africa's rich pre-colonial tapestry, inviting introspection, cultural connection, and renewal of identity.

So much in young adults’ lives is based on the belief system of households, but not much thought is given to how it came about, why we believe in such or whether it even aligns with who we are. This play aims to bring clarity for the audience in the matters of African Spirituality and Christianity. The production brings insight in a gritty and raw manner through our main protagonist who is faced with questions about her beliefs and wonders which path to take.

Production Credits

Mr Sikhuthali Oliver Bonga - Director of MAGCAM 

Dr Obakeng Kgwasi - Physical movement lecturer and introduced the subject of African Spirituality

Mrs Rondo Mpiti-Spies - Lecturer for Voice and Speech

Prof Anthea - HOD of the UFS drama department and lecturer for Script Analysis

Janie Marias and Dr Thys Hydenrech (programme director) - Lecturers for Technical

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Artists

Nosithembiso Alyce Kuhlane 

Director and Producer

Nosithembiso Alyce Kuhlane is a Theatre and Performance student at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. She is an aspiring Writer and Director with her very first production titled, Umnqophiso The Covenant being showcased at the National Arts Festival 2025. Nosithembiso is also a stagehand for her own production showcasing her multitasking skills. She was born and bred in Makhanda and went to Oatlands Preparatory School, Victoria Primary School and Victoria Girls High School. Her exposure to theatre began in high school when she took Dramatic Arts with some of her days filled with watching Rhodes University productions and being inspired by some of the great art and talent she saw. She has also been an assistant stage manager in a production titled, 'MAGCAM' directed by Sikhuthali Oliver Bonga that featured at the National Arts Festival 2024. 

Kwanele Bonga Lamula

Stage Manager

Kwanele Bonga Lamula was born and raised in Durban KwaZulu-Natal. He is also the stage manager for the production. He has two years of training in the technical field and has also been a stagehand at the Vrystaat Festival in Bloemfontein for professional productions. He is a third year student at the University of The Free State Theatre and Performance Student specialising in Technical. 

Kungawo Phumelelisa Ramncwana

Media and Marketing Strategist/Sound Technician

Kungawo Ramncwana is a narrative artist studying at the University of the Free State. She is driven by a passion to reshape the way people view the world. Her vision extends beyond merely telling stories, she wants to challenge conventional thinking and ignite a deeper understanding of the human experience. Kungawo strives towards ensuring that her work resonates beyond inspiring those around her to embrace their authentic selves. Creating a shift in how individuals perceive theatre as a whole. 

Amahle Maphumulo

Production Manager

Amahle Maphumulo was born and bred in Durban KwaZulu Natal. She is currently a University of the Free State student in Bloemfontein. She is studying dramatic arts theatre and performance and is also the production manager. She believes that theatre is more than just a passion, it is a way of life. Amahle believes in the power of storytelling in order to inspire people and challenge them. Her journey in theatre has taught her the importance of collaboration, discipline, and vision and she brings these values to every project she works on.  She does this by making sure everything runs smoothly as it brings her a deep sense of fulfillment and pride. 

Through her work, she strives to create spaces where meaningful stories can be told and where both artists and audience members can connect on a deeper level. Theatre, for Amahle, is not only about performance, it is about purpose.

Kopano Appie

Choreographer

Kopano Appie is a drama student at the University of the Free State. Kopano is a goal-driven young woman who does not shy away from getting her hands dirty. She sees herself influencing many through her artistic expression in the form of dancing, acting and singing. She has also been a part of an honours student production at the university that was composed of physical movement elements titled, 'This Shit is Hard.' The production received a distinction as it was a practical exam. Kopano has also received the Elsa Krantz award for being the best 1st year in her year group. Success is what she strives for. 

Sibabalwe Brian Nyemende

Vocal Coach

Sibabalwe Brian Nyemende was born in the Eastern Cape, Mthatha. He is currently a third year in MBchB at the University of the Free State. He is a theatre enthusiast who has been in a number of productions, the most notable being, "A Broken Sarafina" which showcased at the Vrystaat Arts Festival in 2022. Brian was also part of "Khanya and Her Golden Dream" which was showcased at the Vrystaat Festival in 2024. Brian is also the founder and creator of the musical group called, TSL. TSL has had the honour of hosting a concert in September 2024 with Miss Buhlebendalo Mda as a collaborator and was also showcased at the Vrystaat Arts Festival 2024. It also made a national news appearance.  

Imitha Fotoyi

Actor

Imitha Fotoyi is a passionate and aspiring theatre performer. She values the power of storytelling because she believes storytelling has the power to unite, uplift and inspire individuals, no matter how deep and painful the truth in storytelling may be. Imitha also believes in motivating other individuals to transform pain into purpose, facilitating personal growth through shared experiences while also seeking to find inner peace and truth within herself. She has also been a part of the physical movement production exam 'This Shit is hard' that received a distinction as it was a practical exam. 

Siphesihle Mkhize

Actor/Singer

Siphesihle Mkhize is a 2nd year student at the University of The Free State. He was born in Dundee, kwaZulu Natal. He is also a part of an indigenous musical group called TSL and is also RC Arts and Culture and Diversity in a male residence called Armentum. He plays the character of Xhanti and the Character of an Evangelist. 

Langelihle Sibanda

Actor/Singer

Langelihle Sibanda is a University of the Free State student currently studying Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. Langelihle is someone who believes her ability to sing is a gift that heals and one that can be used in storytelling. She was in a choir in high-school, both as a member and later, as a leader. She is also part of the singing/theatre group called TSL at the university. In the production she plays the element of Earth. Langelihle is dedicated to nurturing her gift and using it to impact others. 

Akhona Luthuli

Actor/Singer

Hailing from the vibrant city of Durban, Akhona Luthuli is a Journalism student with an unyielding passion for the arts. As a multifaceted creative, Akhona embodies the spirit of art to heal souls and inspire audience members. On stage, Akhona brings to life the character of Thandi and the character of an Evangelist, a testament to her versatility and range as a performer. She is also a part of the singing group/theatre TSL. 

Siphokazi Tshezi

Actor/Singer

Siphokazi Tshezi was born eBizana in the Eastern Cape. She enjoys singing and is part of the musical group called TSL. She is currently a University of the Free state student and plays the element of the Sun in the production. 

Nhlanhla Radebe

Actor/Singer

Nhlanhla Radebe is a University of the Free State student in the BA program majoring in languages. He grew up in Johannesburg, Eastrand. He is a singer and plays the element of Space in the production. He was a mentor and an FCOM (first years committee) at his former male residence, Tswelopele. Nhlanhla is also a part of the musical group TSL at the university. 

Mihle Qangani

Actor/Singer

Mihle Qangani is a passionate and talented drama student at the University of The Free State. With a flair for creativity and a drive to tell impactful stories, Mihle is dedicated to honing her craft through rigorous academic pursuit and practical experience. She plays the character of The Element of Water. 

Atlegang Letebele

Actor/Singer

Atlegang Letebele is a Dramatic and Theatre Arts student at the University of the Free State. Atlegang is a talented young woman who aspires to be an actress and a future director. She thrives on telling stories of the world through her eyes by expressing them through acting, dancing and singing. She plays the element of Air in the production. 

Lethukuthula Tshabalala

Actor/Singer

Lethukuthula Tshabalala was born and bred in Mpumalanga in a township called Kwamhlanga. He is currently a student at the University of the Free State studying Bachelor of Education. Lethukuthula is also a part of the musical group called TSL and also a part of a dancing group in the university. He has experience in singing and dancing and plays the element of Fire in the production.

Publicity Info

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Publicity information. Dates, ticket prices, venue and location
  • Venue: Centenary Hall
  • Location: St Andrews College
  • Ticket price: ZAR 40.00
  • Programme type: The Fringe
  • Genre: Theatre
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Ages: 18+(STRICTLY ADULTS ONLY)
    • Academic or Professional Content
Centenary Hall
June 30, 2025 10:00 - July 30, 11:00
Centenary Hall
July 01, 2025 14:00 - 15:00
Centenary Hall
July 02, 2025 19:00 - 20:00