Acclaimed actress Dawn Thandeka King inspires aspiring actors at RMT’s workshop, delivering a powerful moment of mentorship and guidance.
Image: Lindokuhle Moiane
Rise Mpumalanga Talent (RMT) hosted an acting workshop at the Civic Theatre in Emalahleni on Saturday, offering aspiring actors an opportunity to sharpen their skills and gain valuable industry insights from acclaimed actress and television personality Dawn Thandeka King, who facilitated the session.
RMT is making significant strides in developing the province’s creative industry by nurturing emerging talent in acting, dance, music and other artistic disciplines. With industry professionals at the helm, the organisation equips young creatives with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive in the entertainment world.
Coordinator of RMT Sfiso Shongwe, better known as Soul Provider, shared that RMT was born from CEO Phindile Mashabane’s vision to empower local talent and open doors for aspiring artists within the industry.
“She called on people who shared her passion for empowering young artists and creating opportunities for them to succeed in the entertainment space,” Shongwe said.
RMT launched its first workshop in Mbombela and has since expanded its reach across the province, with the recent Emalahleni event marking its fourth acting workshop in Mpumalanga.
The organizations growing reputation is reaching far beyond the province. Shongwe notes that organisations in Gauteng have already invited RMT to run workshops on their behalf, while similar programmes have been successfully rolled out in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Our vision goes beyond Mpumalanga,” he said. “We want to grow this initiative nationally and eventually take it onto the international stage.”
The impact of the organization is already evident. Several artists who received training through RMT have gone on to secure roles in popular local productions, including Uzalo and Isitha: The Enemy.
Shongwe said the organisation was established after recognising the abundance of untapped talent across Mpumalanga.
“We realised there is incredible talent in our communities that often goes unnoticed. Our mission is to identify that talent, develop it and provide aspiring actors with the skills and confidence they need to succeed on screen,” he said.
The workshops expose participants to the realities of the industry through mentorship sessions with established actors and entertainment professionals.
Shongwe believes individuals who are disciplined, committed and willing to learn stand the greatest chance of turning their passion into successful careers. He encouraged young people to pursue their dreams with determination.
“The youth have something special to offer, and that is why we are working tirelessly on the ground to identify and develop talent across the province,” he said.
Shongwe also emphasised the need for stronger support from the Arts and Culture sector, saying partnerships are crucial to preserving and growing Mpumalanga’s creative economy.
Beyond talent development, RMT works alongside its production arm, Big 5 Productions, which has produced content aired on Mzansi Bioskop. The company provides practical opportunities for emerging artists by casting RMT participants in various productions, helping them gain valuable industry experience.
“Our aim is to give overlooked talent a platform to showcase their abilities through professional productions,” said Shongwe.
Looking ahead, the organisation hopes to establish a fully-fledged arts school to further expand opportunities for aspiring performers.
The workshop facilitator Dawn Thandeka King an acclaimed actress and philanthropist, known for her roles in Uzalo, Shaka iLembe and Lockdown, shared her expertise with participants, offering practical guidance for those pursuing careers in television and film.
“It is important for us to share the knowledge and experience we have gained in the industry so that young artists can grow and develop their craft,” she said.
King highlighted communication as one of the most important skills aspiring actors can develop, stressing the importance of professionalism both on and off screen.
She also underscored the value of bringing industry opportunities directly to communities where access to training and mentorship is often limited.
“It is important to come to towns like Emalahleni and inspire people who may not have direct access to the industry. Workshops like these help instil discipline, build confidence and motivate young people to pursue their goals,” she said.
King praised participants for their enthusiasm and willingness to learn, describing the workshop atmosphere as energetic and engaging. She further encouraged young creatives to use social media as a tool to market themselves and showcase their talents.
“Young people need to research opportunities, understand what is available to them and use social media to tell the stories of their communities. Cultural preservation starts at home, and social media gives us the opportunity to share those stories with the world,” she said.
Workshop participant Gugulethu Nkambule expressed excitement about the initiative, noting that it brings valuable opportunities directly into township communities.
“I am grateful to RMT for organising workshops like these because they empower us and allow us to learn so much,” she said.
Nkambule said participants received vocal coaching and practical acting lessons that challenged them to think beyond simply memorising scripts.
“We learned how important it is to express emotions authentically and truly understand the characters we portray,” she said.
She described a script-reading exercise as one of the highlights of the workshop, saying the experience deepened her understanding of performance and storytelling.
“I am excited to take everything I have learned from this workshop and apply it as I continue developing my craft and pursuing opportunities in the acting industry,” she said.
As the workshop drew to a close, participants left the Civic Theatre with more than just new acting techniques and industry knowledge. They departed with renewed confidence, inspiration and a clearer sense of what is possible.
For RMT, the event was another step towards unlocking Mpumalanga’s creative potential, proving that with the right guidance, opportunities and support, local talent can move from community stages to national screens and, ultimately, the global spotlight.
