For the love of art, people
And community development
“ART is a career. Art is life, and without it we would be a depressed nation.”
These were the words of Zululand movement and dance lecturer, theatre practitioner and humanitarian Masedi Godfrey Manenye (40), who transforms people’s lives through art.
Born in Sebokeng and now settled in Zululand, Masedi is a lecturer at Unizulu and an artist with a passion for community work.
Since his arrival in Zululand, he has been involved with young people in the arts and uses his skills as a professional to start dialogues and spread positive messages.
“I came to Zululand because I love to grow and develop with people in the arts. Building them and showcasing their talents while transforming their lives is what I thrive on,” said Masedi.
Through his working as a theatre director, Masedi took two productions to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown this year.
He showcased Mhlengikazi, which he wrote and directed, featuring Unizulu drama students.
He also directed the Gift Marovatsanga production FACES: A woman with emotional scars, which received a Standard Bank Standing Ovation award.
“I’m a lover of life and art, and seeing young people thrive in the art space gives me joy,” said Masedi, who wishes to open his own theatre to create a platform for artists and art lovers.
About Masedi
Growing up in Gauteng, this theatre man had a dream of being a professional soccer player.
“I grew up playing a cocktail of games in the township. I love dancing and acting, but at that time I never thought of it as a career,” he said.
However, things changed when he was in high school and met theatre maker Diniso Gamakhulu.
“He taught us the basics of acting and theatre, and the love developed from there.”
From there, Masedi did not look back and started taking the craft seriously.
After matriculating, he enrolled in the social sciences department at the University of the Free State, but quit the course in his third year.
“I realised it was not my passion. I wasn’t going to do something I didn’t love for the rest of my life, so I changed courses and enrolled in drama studies.
During his first year of drama, Masedi proved it was the department he was destined for. He started excelling and showcasing his dance and theatre abilities.
From there, he got involved in many projects, working with lecturers and community theatre practitioners, such as Dauza Mothupi, Keke Khoase, Buti Mothamaha and Monamodi Motse.
He then starred in many productions, including Zollie (Sanlam Student
Festival 2005 winner), Skerpsin, Sophiatown and many others.
After graduating, he was hired by the university as one of their contract lecturers before being offered permanent employment.
“My aim was to grow the department and to make sure young people, especially black people, understood that it was a department they could be part of.
From there he worked with the likes of Kingdom Moshoenyane, Moses Lechuti, Mbuyiselo Nqodi, Thami Moleko and Goitsimang Pholo.
He directed many musical productions, such as Jungle Book, Sophiatown The Musical, Love and Crime Johannesburg, to name a few.
In 2018, he started working at Unizulu and has already placed numerous productions such as Itoyi toyi musical theatre production, Mhlengikazi, FACES and many others.
“I love working with young people and to share my space with community theatre practitioners. Community work is part of my art and I have been blessed to be living my dream,” he said.