Cohort: 2025 -2026

Nolwazi Mbutho is a multi-talented artist who thrives as a dancer, storyteller, musician, and model. She is from the Eastern Cape, eGcuwa, and KwaZulu-Natal, KwaNongoma, and was born in Johannesburg.

Currently based in Philippi, she began her dance training in 2012 at iThemba Labantu Lutheran Church. In 2020, she studied physical theatre at Philippi Arts Centre. She then performed a piece called Beyond as part of an Indoni Academy outreach in collaboration with Jazzart. Additionally, she studied music at R.A.O. and trained in dance at Sbonelo Dance Project.

Nolwazi is currently at Magnet Theatre and is dedicated to healing the world through storytelling.

Liyema Velebayi is a talented and aspiring actress from Ezeleni, a small village in King William’s Town, Eastern Cape Ko Gatyeni, oMamali. Now residing in Mfuleni, Cape Town, Liyema’s passion for the performing arts has led her to achieve impressive milestones early in her career. A recent high school graduate, Liyema excelled in drama, securing 1st place in 2022. Her talent quickly gained recognition, culminating in her victory at the 3rd Poetry Competition held in the City of Cape Town on June 16, 2023. Liyema’s achievements are a testament to her dedication, hard work, and natural flair for the arts. As she continues to pursue her dreams in the entertainment industry, her mission is to inspire and empower young artists from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with the opportunities and resources to develop their craft. Her vision is to become a renowned actress, using her platform to tell compelling stories that reflect the experiences and struggles of her community, while promoting social change and cultural awareness. With talent, resilience, and determination, Liyema Velebayi is poised to make a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.

Aziyena Yamile is a vibrant and multi-talented artist from East London, now based in Dunoon, Milnerton. At just 20 years old, she thrives as a model, actress, poet, and dancer, embodying creativity and passion in every aspect of her work.

She refined her craft at the prestigious Rainbow Academy arts school, where she built a strong foundation in the performing arts. Her mission is to tell stories that need to be told, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire hope and resilience.

Aziyena envisions creating impactful work that challenges societal norms and pushes creative boundaries. Through her art, she seeks to connect with others, spark meaningful conversations, and leave a lasting legacy that uplifts future generations.

Busiswa Cassidy Mpotye is a multi-talented artist thriving as an actress, singer, director, and dancer. Hailing from Gatyane Willowvale, she currently resides in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. With a distinguished career, Busiswa has won numerous awards, including Best Actress at Artscape for three consecutive years and Best Actress at the Zabalaza Festival twice in a row. She is deeply dedicated to using her craft to make sense of a sometimes senseless world, focusing on stage therapy as a means of healing and connection.

Asiphumeze Stuurman is a dynamic actress, poet, and writer from Elliot, Eastern Cape, now based in Cape Town. Her journey in the performing arts began at Rainbow Arts Organisation, where she developed confidence in her craft and honed her unique performance style. Her talent has been recognized through numerous accolades, including being named Most Promising Actress by the Baxter Theatre and reaching the finals of the prestigious ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme. Asiphumeze is currently part of the Magnet Theatre training programme, where she continues to refine her skills with the goal of becoming a powerful theatre maker. Through her work, she seeks to tell meaningful stories, challenge perspectives, and leave a lasting impact in the world of theatre.

Lithetha Thamsanqa Dywili is a multi-talented artist, excelling as an actor, dancer, and podcaster of the Domain Xer Podcast. Currently based in Khayelitsha, Lithetha has contributed his talents to several theatre community groups, including Khwela CBO, Indawo Yobomi, DS Productions, and Bridgetown Theatre Company. He has collaborated with renowned figures like Zubayr Charles on The Battered Housewives Club, performed at the Artscape, and appeared in productions such as My Children My Africa, Hamlet, Life of Pi, Mama Cry, Ivili, the feature film The Lagoon, and the short film Turbo Thabo. For Lithetha, performing is life itself, as it allows him to explore different realms through the characters he portrays.

Simphiwe Sefali, 35 years old, is an accomplished actor, writer, and director. He studied at the Sonwa Sakuba Institute of the Arts and is the founder of a multi-award-winning non-profit company. In 2017, Simphiwe joined the Culture Gangs program, part of Magnet Theatre, where he received valuable workshops and skills. In 2021, he further honed his craft with training at Sonwa Sakuba Institute for Performing Arts. His passion for the performing arts remains a constant fire in his heart, driving his commitment to his craft.

Someleze Madophe is a 22-year-old actor, poet, and writer, is the current holder of the Baxter Theatre’s Zabalaza Theatre Festival Most Promising Actor award. In 2021, he joined the Rainbow Arts Organization, where he received his first professional mentorship as a performer. Someleze has been part of Magnet Theatre’s Culture Gang since 2022, where he has portrayed various roles. He played the lead character, Mr. Kaan, in On the Farm, written by Ayabonga Koki and directed by Mbulelo Grootboom. He also performed in Ukungxunguphala komphefumlo (Best Ensemble Play), written by the cast, and played the lead role of Nqaba in Ingxubakaxaka, directed by Simphiwe Sefali (Best Ensemble Play). Additionally, Someleze wrote and performed his own play, Escape, directed by Buhle T Stefani. For Someleze, performing is not just a career—it’s a reason to live and embrace his humanity.

Kwakhanya Mboniswa is a passionate, multi-talented artist with a love for acting, dancing, and playwriting. Originally from East London, they now reside in Makhaza, Khayelitsha. With five years of drama and dance experience in high school, Kwakhanya was recognized as the second top Drama student in Grade 12 and has trained with New World Dance Theatre.

Driven by a deep connection between the soul and movement through the arts, Kwakhanya aims to break barriers in the industry, creating opportunities for those without access. Through storytelling, they seek to inspire, challenge perspectives, and ignite change, using art as a tool for empowerment and transformation.“Let’s open doors and break barriers”

Inganam Enzokuhle Soxuza is a 22-year-old multi-talented actor, dancer, director, and stage manager. Originally from Ngqamakhwe in the Transkei, in the village of eMaxelegwini in Blythswood, he is currently based in Cape Town.

He holds a Matric Certificate, having completed his matric at Cape Town High School in 2020. Initially, he was on a path to becoming a scientist, having studied Mathematics and Physics, but his journey ultimately led him to the world of performing arts.

His artistic career began in Delft, Cape Town, at the Black Box Theater, where he trained as a drama trainee with the Rainbow Arts Organization for two years. There, he worked on small plays and monologues, both original and established works such as Nothing but the Truth by John Kani, Iago’s Last Dance, Valiant Spartacus, and Woza Albert, all directed by Mbulelo Grootboom.

During his time with the Rainbow Arts Organization, he was introduced to miniature model-making by Sisa Makaula at Umthombo Film and Animation Studios, a course that lasted a few months. Through this connection, he also joined African Voices, where he learned to play the marimbas and performed at various venues in Cape Town.

Sharing the Black Box Theater as a rehearsal space with Sibonelo Dance Project sparked his interest in dance. Balancing drama, music, and dance, he eventually committed to Sibonelo Dance Project, which led him to Magnet Theatre. Under Mzo Gasa’s guidance, he transformed from a novice to a professional storyteller. With Sibonelo, he worked as a dancer and stage manager in productions such as Ukwakha, Ubunye, and Ukuzinza (both in Durban and Cape Town). He also performed in Inguquko, Uhambo 6, and Isandi Sendoda at the Intuthuko Dance Festival and created his own production, Shadows of the Streets.

Following Shadows of the Streets, he transitioned from Sibonelo Dance Project to Magnet Theatre, where he continues his artistic journey today.