Veteran actress Leleti Khumalo has encouraged young creatives to respect themselves in order to survive in the entertainment industry. Khumalo was speaking during the Simon Mabhunu Sabela lecture in Durban. Sabela was an acclaimed actor and South Africa’s first black director.
Sabela is best known for his films: Zulu, released in 1964, 1989’s The Gods Must Be Crazy II and Gold, released in 1974.
He died in 1994.
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Tourism and Film Authority is also commemorating Film Month. This year the focus is on encouraging young people to follow in Sabela’s footsteps. KZN Tourism and Film Authority Chairperson, Nise Malange, says a strong focus is to nurture talent in rural areas of the province.
“It’s linking the culture and the success so that these young people today they can look into that and say give [me a few] years, 15 years. I want to be like Leleti, I want to be like Mbongeni, I want to be the Simon Mabhunu of KZN. That the whole linkage and the awards are to celebrate the success of KZN and also the legacy and some of the people that have played a big role, that are still playing a role in the film industry.”
Aspiring script writers and film directors from rural parts of the province have also graduated in Durban, after being trained by the KZN Tourism and Film Authority. Amahle Khuzwayo and Makhosazane Lukhozi say they are excited to make a name for themselves in the industry.
“I believe that as an inspiring script writer and director I will get an opportunity to be in one of the biggest productions in Durban, maybe even worldwide. I can be known as best director and script writer because there is a need when it comes to film directors in South Africa. I believe that there will be more opportunities for me as a woman in the industry.”
“I saw an opportunity that if I continue learning about film industry, I will be someone that I never thought that I could be, especially with the background I come from. The film industry creates job opportunities.”
Leleti Khumalo joined the local film industry at the age of 14. She starred in the musical Sarafina.
At 15 she also starred in Yesterday, the first South African film to be nominated for an Academy Award. She has warned young creatives about the challenges in the entertainment industry, including drug and alcohol abuse. Khanyile has encouraged young artists to learn from those who came before them.
“Bab Mabhunu, was around us, we learnt a lot from him. When you see that you have legends around you and what they are willing to give you, take it, make sure that you take it with both hands, and run. I was so fortunate I learnt a lot. I learnt to be disciplined. It is the first thing you need, you need to know who you are in this industry because there are many of us, this industry is huge.”
The eleventh Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards will be held in Durban on July 20.
Leleti Khanyile delivers Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela Lecture
