The 2025 National Playwright Competition has unveiled its four finalists, each bringing a unique voice to South African theatre. This competition, in partnership with HEINEKEN Beverages, aims to recognise and nurture emerging playwrights and showcase South African storytelling. The competition encourages participants to write in their preferred language, embracing the diverse linguistic landscape.
Here are the finalists with their plays:
Thozama Busakwe – Sasikhe Sabhabha (IsiXhosa/English)
Hailing from Johannesburg, Thozama is a creative producer, filmmaker, and theatre practitioner. Her work is said to draw inspiration from African culture, delving into themes of queerness and existentialism. With experience at The Market Theatre and as a youth art ambassador, it is mentioned that Thozama’s storytelling is both profound and culturally resonant.
Lwando Sindaphi – I Will Teach You How to Share the Milk (English)
The Cape Argus reports that Lwando is an award-winning theatre director and poet with a decade of experience in contemporary performance and he is based in Cape Town. As the Creative Director of the Lingua Franca Spoken Word Movement, he masterfully blends scriptwriting with physical theatre, offering audiences a rich, immersive experience.
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Naledi Malotana – The Glass Ceiling (English and isiZulu)
According to IOL, Naledi, from Makhanda in the Easter Cape is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Rhodes University. Her work is believed to explore identity and social feminism, aiming to spark conversations about environmental degradation through poignant storytelling.
Campbell Meas – The Mechanics of Play (English)
An actress and director from Johannesburg, Campbell has contributed to various award-winning productions, claims the above-mentioned publication. Her dedication to theatre education and intimate storytelling is said to have solidified her as a prominent figure in the local theatre scene.
IOL further mentions that “Each of the finalists will receive R5,000 and be paired with a mentor, guiding them as they refine their scripts for final presentation. The ultimate victor will not only have their work produced at the prestigious arts festival but will also walk away with an additional R20,000 prize.”
The National Playwright Competition continues to be a beacon for emerging talent, fostering a vibrant and inclusive theatre landscape that reflects the rich tapestry of South African narratives.
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