RENOWNED actor Sibonakaliso "Ngabade" Mazibuko thanks God by giving back to the community.
This is after the 40-year-old actor from KwaMashu, KZN, landed top roles in Amalanga Awafani on SABC1 and Smoke & Mirrors e.tv.
He believes the big roles are God's blessings, and the best way to thank Him is to give back to the community.
Ngabade, who plays taxi driver Dulas in Amalanga Awafani has started online auditions through his Shogazi Academy.
He told Daily Sun the aim is to find and mentor 15 young talents over 11 months starting in June 2025.
Ngabade believes many acting talents need to be discovered and mentored.
"As God is shining the light on me in the acting industry, I believe it is the best way to open doors for others.
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"For now, I will be focused on the Durban-based up-and-coming talent by giving them a free acting course with a Level Five certificate after successfully completing the 11-month course," he said.
Ngabade requested those who are interested to submit their one-minute monologues to auditions@shogaziacademy.co.za or visit the Shogazi Academy social media pages.
"All ethnic groups and genders aged between 18 and 35, experienced and not experienced, are invited to participate," he said.
Ngabade, who has been on many top TV shows including Uzalo, Durban Gen, eHostela and many more, said it is not his first time to give back to the community by grooming young talent.
He mentioned that in 2022, he mentored a group of 10 actors known as the Durban Ten Actors and expressed his happiness about many of them making progress.
This year, Ngabade decided to add five more, bringing the total to 15, saying that God is blessing him more.
"Those 15 youngsters will be getting a stipend while attending classes. I will also feature them in my theatre production about industrial and awareness theatres.
"Unfortunately, I will not disclose the amount of the stipends to protect them," he said.
