#ForYOUTH: Meet Sonwabo

Meet Sonwabo Mphandle - Actor, Director, and Filmmaker. 

On reading those titles at first, they might seem becoming of someone used to the star-studded lifestyle that would follow those within the industry. But for Sonwabo, the path towards finding stardom wasn’t always filled with the glitz or the glamour. 

This is his story. 

Raised in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, Sonwabo always had a passion for the arts, and always wanted to run his own business. 

His journey towards exposing audiences to his talents on the big stage started behind the lens, where his love for photography would soon be the first stepping stone towards stepping into the limelight.  

It all began when he first started working as a videographer. Watching the magic unfold before his eyes as he turned footage of the raw acting talents of his peers into beautifully edited films would soon become the fuel that would further ignite his love for film and feed the fire that burned brightly within him. This is how he became inspired to become the star of his own story. 

“They say a picture says a thousand words. Growing up I was very shy, but I’ve always had a love for creating things. Whether it would be taking pictures or coming up with a storyline for those pictures…my love for creating has always been there”. 

But his lifechanging journey would not come without challenges. 

“For people like me who come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, it’s not always easy to pursue your dreams, you know…especially when it involves the lights, the cameras, and the action. People often see it as more of a luxury than something to fully invest yourself in.” 

After taking to social media and raising awareness of his plight, anonymous donors came to his aid and provided him with enough startup capital that would enable him to get things up and running. 

“Money is the biggest obstacle standing in your way when you’re trying to start your own production company and trying to get your acting career off the ground. Since I’ve been a part of the DCAS supported Community Arts Centres programme, they’ve been able to identify my strengths, put their trust in me, and help me fulfil my promise to myself and to my community that I so long envisioned”. 

His love for theatre, directing, photography and community development saw him and his peers start a community based theatre school and community centre in Kraaifonten. This centre helps young people within the community of Wallacedene hone their skills within the disciplines of acting, directing and scriptwriting. Since launching the Kraai4Theatre, Sonwabo now has 4 full-time interns that he has taken under his wing, a clear illustration of the positive ripple effects the community has felt through his initiative. 

Through the Kraaifontein theatre, Sonwabo has been able to take his production, “These are not my shoes”, which he wrote, directed and starred in; from the dusty streets of Wallacedene to audiences of hundreds at the Baxter Theatre, an accomplishment he never knew he would be able to attain. This production won the best ensemble award at the 2025 Zabalaza Drama Festival at Baxter theatre.

Kraaifontein theatre is part of the Community Arts Centre Network (CACNET), a network and advocacy body for Community Arts Centres in the Western Cape. This programme is supported by DCAS and DSAC and Sonwabo serves on the steering committee of this structure representing the Cape Metro and responsible for social media. In 2022, received cultural entrepreneur support grant from the Community Arts Centres programme to further boost his photography and media business called Mphandle&Jack Films.

Because of Kraaifontein theatre, CACNET and his company (Mphandle&Jack films), Sonwabo has travelled all over the country and met people of influence from all walks of life who’ve helped him further broaden his skillsets by sharing their knowledge and their success stories. 

Currently, he still works at DCAS Museum Services as a public programme assistant, videographer and photographer. 

“The DCAS arts and culture initiatives have given me the keys that have helped me unlock my full potential. And for me, the biggest reward is being able to see the positive changes my work has had on my community, and the respect being a true leader has gained me. Because leading is not just about delegating, directing and telling people what to do. It’s about leading by example and being present. And when those who are looking to you for leadership see those qualities within you, everything becomes easier for everyone. 

Sowabo’s future looks brighter that any spotlight he’s ever been under. In 2019, he published his very own novel. His goal within the next few years is to use all the resources, platforms and knowledge that he has gained to help turn his novel into a series for the silver screen. Sonwabo stands as a prime example and proof that no matter where you are from, or what your limitations are, with hard work and determination, anyone’s story can have a silver lining.