New acting outlet for East London youth

The East London acting academy may be precisely what young people need to accomplish their dreams of becoming actors.

Mandla Makinana, of Makinana Funerals established Makinana Talent and Leadership Academy after realising that many young people around the city were yearning to perform on stage.

The school, which began operating in August, has about 50 young people who are attending acting workshops.

Sithembile Xaso, one of the leaders in the academy, said it was best that young people were familiar with the stage so that when big production companies came scouting for talent, they too had a chance.

Xaso is a film maker, producer, director and an actor.

He is part of the pool of people who teach the upcoming actors how to produce productions, write scripts, direct films as well as act.

“For the past five years since we have been in East London producing short films, we have discovered that the town has a talent for acting, but most of these young stars do not have an idea where to go when they want to get into acting.

“If they do not have an idea about the film industry then that will limit them for getting into big productions.”

He said this was the reason they believed it was necessary to give young people a platform to learn more about acting and what it entails.

Xaso said during their recent film production The Whistle ,a movie which was shot in town, they discovered raw talent and were looking to nourish this.

“In our last production we worked with almost 200 people; some were in front of the cameras while some were extras.

“This is when we saw we have something good here.”

He said to produce the film, he was working with Makinana who was hands on in transportation and other logistics.

“We both discovered that young people around BCM were yearning to make it to the stage, but were not familiar with the procedures.

“This is why we started our discussions on how we can try to help out.”

Makinana offered them a space in his church based in town.

“He suggested we do not focus only on acting or the entertainment part, but become the School of Challenge and Leadership Academy.”

Xaso said they were provided with cameras and acting materials.

“Mr Makinana is providing in terms of the space.

“We hire cameras from time to time, and this is to help them understand what it means to be in front of the camera.”

Xaso said in the near future he was hoping they would pay a fee of R200.

“This would help with managing the costs, and maybe have one well-known actor who can come and visit, just to mentor them and guide them.”

Onica Meyer, 22, is part of the academy and has been an extra on TV soapies, including Uzalo, Imbewu and Durban Gen.

She said she joined the production because she believed it would help her have the courage to act.

“The classes have been helpful; I know how to audition for acting.

“I am now able to stand in front of the camera without any fear and have formed part of the new telenovela which has not yet been made available on screen, but it will probably be on TV next year,” she said.

Owam Rabana is one of the members of the team.

He is pursuing a Diploma in Human Resources at Buffalo City College but said acting was also his calling.

“The reason I joined and was interested was because of the passion and the love I have for acting.

“I started taking acting seriously in 2020. I have always had the passion but my interest grew more in 2020.

“I have been an extra in the new movie The Whistle, but have never taken a lead.

The classes are helping me with that. In case the opportunity comes, I am certain I will be able to take a stand,” he said.