Cohort: 2025 -2026
Onako Poswayo is a multi-talented artist and performer from Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape, currently residing in Philippi, Browns Farm. His artistic journey began at the age of 7 as a dancer, starting with ballet and later transitioning to African dance. In Grade 6, Onako joined IGugu Arts and Leadership in Gugulethu, and in Grade 8, he was selected for the International Dance Exchange (IDE) camp, an opportunity that led to dance academy funding. He then joined Dance for All in Athlone. Onako discovered his passion for acting in Grade 10, under the mentorship of his drama teacher, Ntombifuthi Mkhasibe. He has since performed on prestigious stages like Artscape and Baxter Theatre, excelling as an actor and all-round performer.
Ayabonga Yantolo is a talented and versatile performer, currently refining his craft at the prestigious Magnet Theatre. Born in Cape Town and raised in the Eastern Cape, his passion for the arts has been evident since childhood.
After matriculating in 2022, Ayabonga pursued a one-year course in Musical Theatre at the Rainbow Academy School of Performing Arts and Business, where he achieved a distinction in Grade 8. He also excelled in the first year of the Academic Creative Industries course, earning a distinction while specializing in Musical Theatre, Drama (Trinity College London), Dance, Music, African Music, Business in Arts, and Film Production.
Ayabonga’s extensive performance history includes theatre productions such as Give and You Will Shall Receive (2014-2015), When Lion Had Wings (2016), Social Injustices (2016-2018), Python (2017), Lakutshoni Langa (2016-2019), Black Pain (2018-2020), Ivili (The Wheel) (2021-2023), and The Rise (2023). His on-screen appearances include Turbo Thabo (2017) and Riding with Sugar (2019). In 2023, Ayabonga performed at the ITFFA Awards with Rainbow Academy, participated as a dancer and singer at the Netball World Cup welcoming ceremony, and took part in the Shoprite Dance Expo with Manon Management. He also appeared in Ixilong>Qamza, directed by Cyndie Fanele with Khwela C.B.O.
With a deep commitment to storytelling and performance, Ayabonga continues to push creative boundaries. As he hones his skills at Magnet Theatre, he is set to make a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
Kananelo Lesekele is a South African theatre artist and freelance performer, born on October 02, 1999. With 12 years of experience in the arts industry, Kananelo has graced various stages and honed his craft. He has been a part of Magnet Theatre’s Culture Gangs and won the “Best Ensemble” award at the Zabalaza Festival with Black Stars. Kananelo has also contributed to the International Theatre Project (ITP) for three years as an actor and one year as a facilitator. A hardworking artist, he continues to sharpen his skills and is currently involved in Magnet Theatre’s training and job creation programme.
Clifton Wagenstroom is passionate about inspiring and uplifting young, up-and-coming artists, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. He credits the late Kanya Viljoen, an amazing director, writer, actor, and playwright, for inspiring him to explore theatre and discover his own identity. Clifton believes that success in the arts, regardless of where one comes from, is possible through hard work, dedication, and self-belief. His message to young artists is simple: “Believe in yourself and always walk with faith, from the start of your journey until the end.”
Born on June 5, 2001, in Magedla, Mount Fletcher, Eastern Cape, Olwethu Thwetsha is a rising star in South African entertainment. A graduate of the Rainbow Academy (2021), she is an actress, writer, and versatile artist with a passion for storytelling. Olwethu’s production Blood on the Road was a finalist at the Zabalaza Festival and earned a Best Directing nomination at the Fleur du Cap Awards. She has received nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress at the Zabalaza Festival. Olwethu has taken on leading roles, including in Zixananazile by Bulelani Mabutyana. Committed to embodying dynamic characters, she is driven by the transformative power of storytelling and poised for a lasting impact in the entertainment industry
Shannon Roode (28) is a Theatre Practitioner, Director, and Playwright from Kuils River. A Northlink College graduate, she specializes in Dance, Drama, and Musical Theatre, performing locally and internationally with passion and dedication. Her television credits include Sara se Gehiem, Projek Dina, and Arendsvlei on KykNET. Shannon made her theatre debut in Jane Eyre (2017) and has starred in musicals like Fiddler on the Roof and The Octave Musical. Recently, she expanded her expertise with a Street Dance Coaching course. Since
2017, she has been dedicated to creative arts education, teaching Dance, Drama, and Music within the CAPS curriculum. Passionate about nurturing creativity.
“Art is who we are. We should live our heart’s truth.”
Akho Zuzani, also known as Akhothando Sityata, is a gifted performer with a deep passion for acting and music. Born and raised in Samora Machel, Cape Town, he discovered his love for theatre in high school, drawn to the power of storytelling and the ability to embody diverse characters. In 2021, he refined his musical talents through the Rainbow Arts Organization under the mentorship of Thembekile Komani and Nomakrestu Xakathugaga. His acting career has seen him take on compelling roles in productions such as Buzani Kubawo (directed by Thokozile Ntshinga), McGregor Must Die (directed by Siphelo Mtshetsha)—which won Best Youth Play at the State Theatre in Pretoria—and Inkudla the Musical (directed by Thando Puyolo Mthi).
Beyond theatre, Akho has showcased his vocal abilities as a backing vocalist for renowned artists like Buhle Bendalo Mda and Zimbini Makwethu in Zimbini Makwethu Engomeni at Artscape. His performances have graced prestigious stages, including the Market Theatre, Baxter Theatre, Masque Theatre, and Milnerton Playhouse Theatre. Recognized for his outstanding talent, Akho was nominated for Best Actor for his role in The Doek. Committed to community theatre, he uses his artistry to inspire and uplift his community, cementing his place as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
Aviwe Nose is an award-winning actor and dancer who thrives as a creative director, voice-over artist, and performer.
Born and raised in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, he is now based in Nyanga, Cape Town. He completed high school and is a graduate of Gugulethu Arts Academy and The Rainbow Academy. His achievements include Best Supporting Actor (Zabalaza 2020), Kaap se Dans Solo Winner (2019), and Best Actor (Rainbow Academy).
Aviwe is dedicated to continuous learning and growth in the arts industry, constantly refining his craft and pushing creative boundaries.
Zimfefe Kuhle Lamani is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, constantly challenging herself to explore diverse dance styles and push the boundaries of her artistic expression. Born in the Western Cape and raised in King William’s Town, Eastern Cape, she is currently based in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Zimfefe has participated in numerous prestigious events, including the ESS MAAD FESTIVAL, Provincial Debate Club, Proscenium Drama Competition, Suitoosterfees, A Tale of Two Cities SA-Germany Exchange, and has worked with FET Dance and Drama learners, tutoring the practical component. Zimfefe is committed to continuous personal and artistic growth, embodying a spirit of curiosity and a thirst for learning.
Yolanda Mndayi is a multi-talented artist, excelling as an actress, writer, and dancer. Originally from Lady Frere, a rural area in Mgqukhwebe, Eastern Cape, Yolanda now resides in Mfuleni, Cape Town. While she has not graduated from any formal program or institution, Yolanda has been an active participant in three prominent organizations: IThemba Labantu, Young Roses of Talent, and Isibonelo Dance Project, receiving a certificate of participation from IThemba Labantu. Yolanda is dedicated to becoming one of the world’s top actresses, aiming to proudly represent South Africa globally with her versatile and multihyphenate talents.