My Long Lost Father tells the emotional story of a young man named Sizwe, who sets out to find his roots after growing up not knowing his parents. Born from a one-night encounter between Patrick, a miner from Welkom, and Mavis, Sizwe was given away due to their poverty.
Years later, guided by recurring dreams from Nonzuzo, his half-sister in the rural village of Kwantu, Sizwe arrives in search of his identity. While some welcome him, Patrick’s wife Thandazile rejects him and sabotages a traditional ceremony meant to prove his lineage. Just as Sizwe is being cast out, Patrick returns and immediately recognizes his son. The truth is revealed, and despite the betrayal, Sizwe chooses forgiveness and unity, expressing his deepest wish for a loving family.
Production Credits
Directed by: Malwande Menzile
Music composer: Malwande Menzile
Written by: Malwande Menzil, Xolela Nqumakhwe and Inathi Goni
Cast:
Tshediso Kate Lechesa, Uviwe Menyiwe, Ndumiso Gumede, Inathi Goni, Mpentshu Ayabonga, Zintle Klaas, Hlumelo Sikuqana, Themba Khumalo, Aphelele Kaleni, Siyanda Kondile, Lithemba Nyembezi, Mbalenhle Nkosi, Xolela Nqumakhwe, Liyema James, Lihlilanga Gadudu, Thimna Mbuzi and Simnikiwe Faye
About the Artists
Malwande Menzile
Malwande Menzile is a dynamic 25-year-old actor, director, vocalist, and choreographer with a growing presence in both stage and screen performance. A graduate of Walter Sisulu University, Malwande currently serves as a Drama Director at the same institution. His professional journey includes working with the Department of Sports and Culture as a young creative, and facilitating at the School of Arts South Africa.
He is a Debut Alumni and trained in Film and Television Production through Ulwazi Training and Development. Malwande has showcased his talent in television with notable roles such as Chris Nzobe in The Revolution is Here and Khura in Gqeberha: The Empire. On stage, he earned acclaim for his portrayal of the Mayor in Ghetto: The Music, a production that won a Standard Bank Ovation Award in 2022.
As a director, he brought two original works — Guilty as Charged (2022) and Life of a Taxi Driver to life at the prestigious Makhanda National Arts Festival. Malwande continues to inspire through his storytelling, passion for the arts, and commitment to authentic South African narratives.
- Venue: Rehearsal Room
- Location: Monument Building
- Ticket price: ZAR 50.00
- Programme type: The Fringe
- Genre: Dance & Physical Theatre
- Duration: 60 minutes
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Ages:
ALL AGES
