Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa

University of the Free State

PACOFS

Oliver Bonga: Director and Writer

Sikhuthali Oliver Bonga is an award-winning South African, Bloemfontein-based theatre practitioner and scholar who was born in Qumbu, Eastern Cape. Sikhuthali’s passion for the performing arts developed at an early age as a praise poet, and he was named the Best Actor in 2014 upon completing school at Ugie High School. Completing his studies in theatre and performance in 2019, he was awarded the department’s prizes for Best Theatre Making Student and Best Artistic Contribution. Finally, in the year 2022, he was awarded the Standard Bank Bronze Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival. Sikhuthali has currently completed his master's degree specialising in Immersive Theatre, and is working as an academic facilitator at the Drama and Theatre Arts Department at the University of the Free State. Collaborating on numerous theatre and interdisciplinary art projects, Sikhuthali has been directing, writing, and performing in student and professional theatre work since 2017. Sikhuthali is currently furthering his career as a theatre producer, artistic co-ordinator, and Festival Director and Founder in South Africa and Abroad.

Lelethu Tshangela: Actor

Lelethu Tshangela is a multi-award-winning theatre practitioner (Director, and Actor) based in Bloemfontein. She was raised in Jozana, Sterkspruit amongst the amaBhele people. Tshangela roots her career in the restoration of African cultural practices. She aspires to elevate the hearts and souls of her audience deep into the healing caves of the African heart.

Sara-Leen Chalale: Actor

Sara-Leen Chalale, a passionate theatre maker, actor, and director who hails from the Free State, Bloemfontein. Currently in her final year as a Drama and Theatre Arts student at the University of the Free State, Sara-Leen brings over a decade of experience in both theatre and dance to her craft. Eager to share her love for storytelling with the world, she aspires to use her talents to create impactful narratives that resonate with audiences everywhere.

Rondo Mpiti: Actor

Born in Kokstad and raised in Ramsgate, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Rondo Mpiti-Spies is a versatile artist with a passion for storytelling and cultural expression. As a voice-over artist, production manager, junior lecturer at the University of the Free State, director, actress, and playwright, she wears many creative hats. Rondo's expertise lies in Voice and Speech, Radio Techniques, and South African Theatre History. She is also the artistic director for the Mthonyama Arts Festival in the Eastern Cape, where she showcases her works rooted in African Ritual Drama and the traditional storytelling method of Kwa Ntu. Currently, Rondo is engaged in research to develop a Voice model for South African languages, furthering her commitment to preserving and promoting African heritage through the arts.

Boitumelo Mohutsioa

Boitumelo Mohutsioa also known as BE is a talented singer, actress and aspiring director. A Drama and Theatre Arts graduate from the University of the Free State, she holds the award for best actress in her year group in 2019. She has performed in several musical shows and theatre productions across the country in the last 8 years. In 2017 she was awarded "Best female performer" at the Trade Fair, Market Theatre. In addition she co-wrote and worked as a dramaturge for "A Rose Between Two Thorns The Musical". In 2020 she went on to become the 9th Finalist on one of the biggest television shows, South African IDOLS, where she represented the Free State and made history. She was awarded Best Free State Artist at the Vrystaat Kunstefees, 2022. Furthermore she continues to capture her audience by being part of a duo called "BigDada & BE" and they have released their EP called "Mjolo" in 2022 and their single "Your Body" in 2023. She debut her first show that she wrote and directed called "Booty Call" at The Connecting Streams Festival 2023 and the same show played as part of the PACOFS Artistic Program in March this year.