Sikhuthali Oliver Bonga
Nominee's Province:
Eastern Cape
Age:
29
Project Name/Description:
Founder: Mthonyama Arts Festival
Sikhuthali Oliver Bonga founded the Mthonyama Arts Festival in 2022 as an “indigenous creative practice initiative.” The idea was sparked by a simple but powerful observation: the former Transkei region, where he’s from, had no dedicated theatre space or hub to support local creative talent—particularly those working in indigenous forms. Bonga, originally from Qumbu in the Eastern Cape, saw the need for a central space where local artists could be trained, supported, and exposed to innovative ways of making and presenting their work. At the heart of the festival is Imbuyiso ye mveli kaNtus, a cultural concept that underscores the project’s mission to reclaim and celebrate indigenous creative expression. A prolific playwright and respected performer in his own right, Bonga is also a freelance artist and lectures in the Drama and Production Studies Department at Durban University of Technology. He co-founded the festival with fellow creative Zabesutu Mpiti-Spies. Together, they’ve built a platform that nurtures aspiring rural artists and has received recognition from practitioners and institutions across the arts sector. In 2023, the festival was hosted at Tsolo Junction Hall in partnership with the University of the Free State’s Drama and Theatre Arts Department, Ugie High School, the National Arts Council, PESP 4, Mhlontlo Local Municipality, and Imbuyiso Zomthonyama Pty Ltd. In 2024, it moved to KwaBhaca’s Sophia Park, with support from Makhawula JSS, the University of the Free State, NAC PESP 5, and Umzimkhulu Local Municipality. Beyond showcasing talent, the festival offers professional training, industry exposure, and access to employment and marketing opportunities. This year, Bonga says the focus will shift to incubation, with experienced industry professionals traveling to villages and rural areas to train and mentor emerging artists where they are.
