A DECADE OF FIRE
Capacity Building at the 10th Tembisa Theatre Week
From 21 February to 01 March 2026, the 10th edition of Tembisa Theatre Week stands as a powerful declaration: community theatre is not surviving — it is building.
For ten years, this festival has existed against the odds. Out of those ten years, only two editions received funding, while eight were delivered without financial backing. That reality alone speaks volumes about commitment, sacrifice and belief in community arts development.
This year marks a turning point. The festival is funded by the National Arts Council of South Africa through the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6). It is a reminder that when public resources meet consistent community work, growth becomes possible.
But beyond the ten productions on stage, what truly defines this year’s edition is its robust Capacity Building Programme — entirely FREE OF CHARGE.
Image Source: Mandisi Sindo
Celebrating Mpho Molepo
The official opening night honoured Mpho Molepo, whose keynote address ignited the room.
His speech was not decorative — it was UMRHABULO. He spoke openly about the realities of the industry, the discipline required to survive it, and the responsibility to build pathways for those coming after us. His reflections were honest, reflective and hopeful.
One would hope that this address is made publicly available. The Cultural and Creative Industries need to read it. Young artists need to study it. The speech carried lessons about resilience, ownership and vision that extend far beyond one festival.
Capacity Building as Resistance and Infrastructure
Community festivals often focus only on performance. Tembisa Theatre Week understands something deeper: performance without skills transfer is temporary. Capacity building is infrastructure.
Across the week, respected practitioners offered workshops designed to strengthen dancers, actors, writers, producers and theatre-makers at different levels of development.
Image Source: TX Theatre
Movement & Dance with Luyanda Sidiya
With over two decades of experience, Sidiya brings global insight rooted in Indigenous African movement traditions. From presidential inaugurations to international tours, his presence will offer dancers more than technique — it will definitely offer perspective. His workshop will bridge township beginnings with global excellence.
Image Source: TX Theatre
Acting with Hamilton Dlamini
Award-winning performer Hamilton Dlamini will share practical tools shaped by decades on stage and screen. From collaborations with leading directors to television and film recognition, his workshop will emphase discipline, range and longevity. For emerging actors, access to such mentorship is transformative.
Image Source: TX Theatre
Industry Insights hard talk with Mpho Molepo
This session offers a raw, honest conversation with Mpho Molepo on the realities of the Cultural and Creative Industries. Drawing from his lived experience, Mpho will unpack the hard truths behind longevity, discipline, resilience, power, and survival in the sector. It is a space for uncomfortable but necessary dialogue—designed to challenge, guide, and prepare artists to navigate the industry with clarity, courage, and integrity.
Image Source: TX Theatre
Scriptwriting with Monageng Vice Motshabi
Writing is the backbone of theatre. Motshabi’s session might unpack structure, storytelling and political imagination. His award-winning body of work and mentorship history will make this workshop a rare opportunity for writers seeking to sharpen their craft.
Image Source: TX Theatre
Stage Combat with Gifter Ngobeni
Ngobeni’s multidisciplinary expertise — from physical theatre to international touring will introduce participants to the precision and safety of stage combat. In many township spaces, this technical training is often inaccessible. Here, it will be free.
Image Source: TX Theatre
Creative Workshop with Kgomotso 'MoMo' Matsunyane
Standard Bank Young Artist Award recipient MoMo Matsunyane will offer insights into directing, authorship and artistic excellence. Her journey proves that township-born creativity can command national and international stages.
Image Source: TX Theatre
Theatre Making with Mandisi Sindo
Dr Disi’s shack theatre philosophy challenges conventional infrastructure limitations. His workshop will definitely encourage innovation from the margins, demonstrating that community-rooted theatre can reshape national narratives.
Image Source: TX Theatre
Producing & Monetisation with Keamogetswe Moeketsane-Malefo
Art must be sustainable. Moeketsane-Malefo’s session will address production management, compliance and monetisation — equipping artists with knowledge often hidden behind administrative doors. Sustainability is not a luxury; it is survival.
Image Source: TX Theatre
World Building with Refiloe Lepere
Dr Lepere brings academic depth and decolonial thinking into practical theatre-making. Her work on black feminist aesthetics and racial justice might expand how participants think about storytelling, identity and power.
More Than a Festival
For eight years, this festival operated without funding. That fact should disturb us as much as it inspires us. Township initiatives should not have to rely on sacrifice alone.
This year’s NAC PESP 6 support demonstrates what becomes possible when investment meets consistency. But beyond funding, the true achievement lies in the model: performance + mentorship + access.
Ten productions entertain.
Capacity building transforms.
As Tembisa Theatre Week celebrates ten years, it is not just marking time — it is building a pipeline. It is ensuring that young creatives do not only dream of the stage but understand how to survive on it.
That is how industries are built. That is how townships become training grounds for national excellence.
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