How Rapulana Seiphemo is helping Mafikeng’s youth, using theatre to educate, uplift and empower.
SERAKATUMA: In Mafikeng, something magical is stirring—not in the world of politics or business, but on a stage where dreams are being shaped, voices are being found, and futures are being rewritten. Rapulana Seiphemo—yeah, that Rapulana, the award-winning actor/producer—has kicked off the Serakatuma Arts Pilot Initiative, basically throwing the doors wide open for local youth to be seen, heard, and guided by the best in the industry.
This isn’t just another “mentor-for-a-day” gig. Serakatuma’s coming in strong as a social game-changer, aiming to lift up the youth using the power of the arts.
A Celebration of Democracy Through Creative Expression
This initiative is generously supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture under their 2025 theme, “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy.” It’s a poetic tribute to South Africa’s journey—a reflection of how creativity can flourish in the soil of freedom.
Lights, Camera, Audition Madness
Picture this: Kobo Segole Conference Hall, buzzing with nerves and excitement. Hundreds of young people showing up with hope practically shining out of their eyeballs. For a lot of them, this was their first real step onto a stage. The energy? Off the charts! The result? A powerful, moving turnout—and the beginning of something deeply meaningful.
These young talents have now been selected to join the programme’s incubation workshops.
What’s the Catch? Well, There Isn’t One, Really.
The chosen youngsters are about to jump into eight months of hardcore training. We’re talking about a series of masterclasses focusing on Acting Techniques… I mean the whole shebang! This is not just a talent search. It’s an all-rounded creative development experience that prepares young people for careers on stage and behind the scenes.
Drama with a Purpose: Healing Through Performance
Life’s tough, and Serakatuma doesn’t believe in sugarcoating. Instead, it’s tackling the ugly stuff head-on. These young storytellers will dig into the real issues:
- Gender-based violence
- Substance abuse
- Homophobia
- Youth crime
Their final performance won’t just entertain—it will educate, challenge, and heal.
A Legend Lost: Presley Chweneyagae’s Profound Impact
Now, here’s the gut punch. Presley Chweneyagae, the legend known for his unforgettable role in Tsotsi, was supposed to be one of the main mentors. He came on as masterclass facilitator and acting coach, and had fully committed himself to nurturing new talent from Mafikeng.
His involvement was a gift. His presence, irreplaceable.
A Heartfelt Farewell
It is with heavy hearts that Rapulana and the Serakatuma team mourn Presley’s sudden passing. The loss of such a towering figure in the South African arts scene has left a wound in the industry—and in their hearts.
“Presley was a force—gentle, fierce, and infinitely passionate about his craft. He brought warmth, wisdom and vision to Serakatuma, and we were incredibly honoured to have him on board. His passing has left a huge dent in our industry and in our hearts. We send our deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones, and everyone who was inspired by his journey.”
From Mafikeng to Mzansi at Large—Watch This Space
But here’s the thing: the show must go on… now also as a tribute to everything Presley stood for. Each young voice that rises from this initiative carries his dream forward.
More than a mentorship project, Serakatuma is a powerful social intervention aimed at empowering young people through the arts.
Stay Connected and Support the Journey
📍 Venue: Kobo Segole Conference Hall, Mafikeng
📅 Workshops: Running for 8 months from May 2025
📞 Contact: Lerato Baxter & Zandile Tshukulu
📧 Email: info@serakatuma.co.za | L.Baxter@serakatuma.co.za | Z.Tshukulu@serakatuma.co.za
Let the stage rise. Let the lights shine. Let the youth of Mafikeng take centre stage—because their time is now.
📸 IMAGE CREDIT: All photos in this article were taken by Musa EL Maila unless otherwise stated.
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