The Mother City and broader Western Cape are currently experiencing a major wave of Disney magic, but the headline news isn’t just about Hollywood stars landing on local shores.
In a massive win for the South African entertainment industry, rising local actor Kamogelo Ramashala has officially been cast in Disney’s upcoming musical feature, The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen.
Also see: Raven-Symoné takes over Cape Town while filming ‘The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen’
Discovered during Disney’s competitive global open casting call, Ramashala steps onto the world stage to play Kendi. His breakout casting marks a milestone moment, embedding authentic Mzansi talent at the core of one of the most beloved global youth franchises in pop culture history.
From global open call to Disney stardom
The road to securing a role in a multi-million-rand Disney franchise is no small feat. For Ramashala, landing the role of Kendi came after an intensive worldwide search aimed at identifying fresh, dynamic talent capable of anchoring the franchise’s new era.
Playing Kendi, Ramashala stars alongside a vibrant new generation of performers, including Leah Sava Jeffries (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) as Galleria’s daughter Faith, Carmen Sanchez as Chanel’s younger sister Dior, Kaileen Chang as Ruby, and Sophie Lennon as Brooklyn.
Mzansi as the main stage
In The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen, the narrative shifts continentally. The story follows original franchise icons Galleria Garibaldi (Raven-Symoné) and Chanel Simmons (Adrienne Bailon-Houghton) as they bring Faith, Dior, and their friends to South Africa for a wildlife sanctuary volunteering project.
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Throughout their journey, the new group navigates local adventures, tests their sisterhood, and ultimately discovers the true “Cheetah spirit” as they work to save the preserve and take the stage as the next generation of musical stars.
Also see: Rising star Juss Gigi drops debut EP ‘Low Down Dirty South’
With principal photography taking place across Cape Town, the Overstrand coastal region, and local wildlife reserves, the production blends international storytelling with authentic South African talent and landscapes.
What this means for South Africa’s creative industry
Ramashala’s casting highlights the expanding opportunities for local actors on international platforms. As global studios like Disney continue to choose South Africa not only for its world-class filming locations and production crews but also for its acting talent, local performers are securing prominent, character-driven roles rather than background appearances.
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Speaking about the franchise’s expansion, Ayo Davis, President of Disney Kids & Family, noted that bringing a dynamic group of young stars to the project allows Disney to honour the legacy of empowerment, friendship, and music for a whole new era.
With filming well underway in the Western Cape, local fans eagerly await watching Kamogelo Ramashala make his mark on screen when The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen premieres on Disney Channel and Disney+.
Also see: Meet the Faces Behind Netflix’s Unseen: South Africa’s Thriller Talent on Full Display
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