By Cathay Yenana:
June 16, 1976, stands as a pivotal moment in South Africa’s struggle for freedom—a day etched into our collective memory as a powerful symbol of resistance, sacrifice, and the fight against oppressive systems. As we observe this significant date, it invites deep reflection not only on how we remember the past but also on how entertainment and societal behaviors influence our collective consciousness.
Traditionally, June 16 has been commemorated through solemn memorials, educational programs, and discussions about the youth’s bravery. However, recent trends reveal a complex landscape: events where adults don school uniforms, youths are intoxicated and engaging in reckless behavior wearing school uniforms, and an overall tendency to trivialize or commercialize this painful chapter. These manifestations raise questions about the efficacy of our commemorative practices and what they say about our societal values.
While it is vital to honor our history with the seriousness it deserves, we must also recognize that entertainment and cultural expressions shape our perceptions. Using entertainment strategically can foster a more profound understanding among the youth, transforming commemorations from mere rituals into impactful experiences that inspire future generations. Traditionally, entertainment serves as a tool for unity and education, yet it can also distort or diminish the gravity of historical events if misused.
Changing how we commemorate June 16 involves a nuanced approach. It calls for integrating meaningful narratives within entertainment formats, such as theatre, music, or interactive media, that highlight the sacrifices of the youth while fostering critical reflection. Schools and community organizations can collaborate to develop programs that celebrate resilience, teach history with authenticity, and discourage behaviors that diminish the dignity of those who fought for justice.
Moreover, societal attitudes towards remembrance must evolve. We should challenge practices that trivialize or distort history, such as mocking or commodifying the day, and promote solemn, age-appropriate, and culturally relevant ways to honor the legacy. Encouraging responsible use of entertainment and media can help reinforce the importance of June 16 as a day of remembrance, reflection, and renewed commitment to justice.
Ultimately, how we choose to commemorate June 16 speaks volumes about our nation’s maturity and respect for its history. My CANDID conversation with Naiwa Sithebe, founder member of Actor Spaces, was just so I could put my finger on the pulse of how this organisation is changing the lives of the next generation.
Days like June 16 give us an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to education, growth and unity by blending respectful remembrance with innovative engagement, leveraging the art thoughtfully.
Our Reflection is about how we honor the past and inspire a future rooted in the principles of future-proofing our youth.
Cathay Yenana:
How did Actor Spaces come into existence, and what inspired its creation?
Naiwa Sithebe:
Actor Spaces came into existence from recognizing a critical gap in the industry — the absence of safe, nurturing spaces for actors to explore their craft, pursue success, and truly thrive. We saw that actors needed more than just opportunities; they needed a community that supports their artistic journeys, challenges the norms, and uplifts their voices. Beyond the need for physical and emotional safety, there was also a glaring lack of online representation. Our stories, our talents, and our contributions were not being properly documented or celebrated in the digital space. This inspired us to create not just a platform, but a lasting archive — a digital footprint that preserves the legacy of our actors for generations to come. It’s a reference point for our children and a testament to the value and impact of our creative community.
Cathay Yenana:
What role does Actor Spaces play in nurturing and developing acting talent?
Naiwa Sithebe:
At Actor Spaces, we believe in investing in talent as early as possible. Acting is a craft, and like any muscle, it needs to be exercised consistently to grow stronger. That’s why continuous training, mentorship, and support are at the heart of what we do.
Our structured Acting Program is designed to meet actors where they are in their journey, working with three core groups:
● Juniors (6–12 years) – introducing young talents to the fundamentals of performance in a fun, nurturing environment.
● Teens (13–18 years) – offering deeper training that hones their skills while building confidence and identity.
● Seniors (19–32 years) – focusing on professional development, industry readiness, and artistic excellence.
Through these tailored programs, Actor Spaces provides a strong foundation for growth, ensuring that talent is not only discovered but continuously developed and empowered.
Cathay Yenana:
Does Actor Spaces collaborate with other arts organizations or institutions?
Naiwa Sithebe:
Yes, collaboration is a key part of our mission at Actor Spaces. We actively partner with both government and private institutions to ensure continuous exposure, growth, and exchange within the arts. These collaborations help us broaden opportunities for our actors and strengthen the creative ecosystem as a whole.
Some of our notable partners include:
● Africa Rising International Film Festival – promoting African storytelling and talent on global stages.
● Ster-Kinekor – supporting access to film spaces and showcasing local talent.
● Atlas Studios – providing professional-grade facilities and production support.
● Gauteng Film Commission – aiding in development, funding, and visibility for emerging creatives.
These partnerships allow us to create meaningful platforms where talent can be seen, developed, and celebrated.
Cathay Yenana:
What are some memorable successes or milestones that Actor Spaces has achieved so far?
Naiwa Sithebe:
Actor Spaces has proudly reached several key milestones that reflect our ongoing commitment to empowering, developing, and uplifting actors in meaningful and impactful ways. Some of our most memorable successes include:
● 2018 SAFTAs Youth Achiever Award
A national recognition that celebrated our role in nurturing young talent and shaping the future of South Africa’s film and television industry.
● Women Take Lead Summit
A landmark event that brought international industry powerhouses Tasha and Sidra Smith from Los Angeles to South Africa, encouraging global dialogue and empowering women within the creative space. In 2025, for the first time ever, we hosted powerful debate sessions where influential women from across the industry came together to confront pressing challenges, propose actionable solutions, and build solidarity through shared insight.
● First-Ever Finance Masterclass for Actors
A pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the financial literacy gap in the industry, providing creatives with essential tools to manage their finances, build sustainable careers, and achieve long-term success.
Cathay Yenana:
What do you think is the importance of organizations like Actor Spaces within the performing arts industry?
Naiwa Sithebe:
Organizations like Actor Spaces play a vital role in shaping the health, growth, and sustainability of the performing arts industry. Our importance lies in creating continuous, intentional spaces where actors are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive — not just artistically, but holistically. By providing access to training, mentorship, professional development, and platforms for exposure, Actor Spaces helps bridge the gap between raw talent and industry readiness. More importantly, it fosters a sense of community, safety, and representation, which is crucial in an often isolating and competitive field.
We don’t just nurture individual careers — we contribute to the cultural and economic fabric of the industry, ensuring that diverse voices are developed, heard, and preserved for future generations.
Cathay Yenana:
How does Actor Spaces contribute to the growth and future-proofing of young actors?
Naiwa Sithebe:
Actor Spaces contributes to the growth and future-proofing of young actors through our Academy, a structured development program designed to equip emerging talent with the skills, confidence, and industry insight needed to succeed.
The Academy focuses on honing craft, building professionalism, and validating talent to ensure our actors are not only ready for castings but truly competitive in securing work. From performance readiness and industry exposure, we ensure young actors are developed holistically, as artists and as professionals. By investing in their growth early and consistently, we help lay a strong foundation that future-proofs their careers in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
Cathay Yenana:
What challenges do performing arts organizations face today, and how does Actor Spaces address them?
Naiwa Sithebe:
One of the biggest challenges facing performing arts organizations today is limited access to resources and funding. The industry is underfunded, and too many creatives are forced to share from an already small pie. This scarcity often limits opportunities for development, production, and sustainability, especially for emerging talent and grassroots organizations. At Actor Spaces, we address this challenge by embracing a proactive, purpose-driven approach. We believe that our calling requires immediate and continuous action, not waiting for ideal conditions. In response, we’ve created multiple platforms for honest information sharing, engagement, and skill-building, allowing artists to access value even in resource-constrained environments. Through open dialogue, networking, collaboration, and value exchange, we foster a culture of community resilience. Rather than compete over limited resources, we encourage creatives to connect, co-create, and uplift one another, helping to build a stronger, more sustainable industry from the inside out.
Cathay Yenana:
How do you see the role of acting organizations evolving in the future?
Naiwa Sithebe:
I see the role of acting organizations evolving through a more curated and intentional approach, where acting is not just seen as entertainment, but as a powerful art form to be viewed, experienced, and admired much like visual art, music, or literature.
This evolution will involve finding clever, innovative ways to present and engage with acting, whether through immersive experiences, digital platforms, interdisciplinary collaborations, or intimate showcases that invite deeper audience connection. Acting organizations of the future will go beyond training and production; they’ll become cultural curators and storytellers, helping society reflect, feel, and evolve. They’ll be key in redefining how acting is valued and consumed, making space for the craft to be appreciated not only on stage or screen but in everyday life and public consciousness.
Cathay Yenana:
What impact do you hope Actor Spaces has on aspiring actors and the broader arts community, especially the youth?
Naiwa Sithebe:
We hope Actor Spaces instills in aspiring actors, especially the youth, the deep understanding that their craft has a vital place in society. Acting is just as important as any other profession, including medicine. It reflects our shared humanity, tells our stories, and has the power to heal, inspire, and transform.
Our vision is for actors to see themselves not only as entertainers but as essential contributors to cultural and social well-being. To do that, they need a safe, supportive net — a community that values their work, nurtures their growth, and advocates for their rightful place in the world. Ultimately, we want Actor Spaces to be that foundation: a place where young actors realize their worth, develop their talents, and understand the profound impact their craft can have on society at large.
Cathay Yenana:
Does Youth Month help empower and inspire young people, particularly in the arts?
Naiwa Sithebe:
Slightly, but it could definitely do more. Youth Month tends to be focused largely on the political aspects, with the arts often relegated to the role of entertainment. However, historically, art has been a powerful force in driving political movements and social change — it wasn’t just background noise, but a catalyst for support and transformation.
Art shouldn’t be an afterthought when Youth Month approaches. Instead, it needs to be valued as an essential part of our daily lives and a true catalyst for change. When the arts are truly integrated into Youth Month and broader youth empowerment efforts, they can inspire, mobilize, and give voice to the next generation in profound ways.
Cathay Yenana:
Are there specific activities or initiatives that Actor Spaces participates in during Youth Month?
Naiwa Sithebe:
Yes, absolutely. At Actor Spaces, empowering youth is a daily priority that we embed into all our projects. Specifically, during Youth Month in June, we run a special feature in our online magazine called “The Next.” This feature is dedicated to shining a spotlight on what we forecast to be the next wave of impactful actors — those emerging talents poised to change the face of the industry and make a meaningful difference through their craft. It’s our way of celebrating young creatives, amplifying their voices, and inspiring others to see the possibilities within themselves. Through initiatives like this, we ensure that Youth Month isn’t just a moment on the calendar but a vibrant, ongoing commitment to nurturing the future of acting.
Cathay Yenana:
Why is it important to celebrate and invest in youth, especially within the performing arts?
Naiwa Sithebe:
Our industry is small and interconnected — today’s graduate is tomorrow’s big boss, decision-maker, and industry leader. Investing in youth means paving the way for each other and building a stronger, more vibrant future for the performing arts. The youth bring the right energy, zeal, and focus needed to carry forward and spread the beauty of performing arts. Their fresh perspectives and passion don’t just entertain audiences — they educate, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations that can transform society.
Celebrating and investing in young talent is essential because it ensures that the art form continues to evolve, thrive, and impact generations to come.
Cathay Yenana:
What does June 16 symbolise for you?
Naiwa Sithebe:
For me, June 16 is a bittersweet moment of reflection — a day to honor how far we’ve come, and to recognize the strength and wisdom behind the African voice that continues to echo across generations. It reminds us of the resilience, courage, and determination of our youth, and the ongoing journey toward freedom, justice, and self-expression.
Cathay Yenana:
Do young aspiring actors and artists benefit from the recognition and activities during Youth Month?
Naiwa Sithebe:
For me, June 16 is a bittersweet moment of reflection — a day to honor how far we’ve come, and to recognize the strength and wisdom behind the African voice that continues to echo across generations. It reminds us of the resilience, courage, and determination of our youth, and the ongoing journey toward freedom, justice, and self-expression.
Cathay Yenana:
How will you be commemorating June 16 and Youth Month?
Naiwa Sithebe:
We’re commemorating June 16 and Youth Month by taking our students from the teen and senior divisions to the Joburg Theatre to watch Sarafina. This experience serves a dual purpose: it’s a moment of reflection on our history and heritage — understanding where we come from — and a powerful lesson in craft and performance excellence, helping to raise the bar for their own artistic journeys.
Cathay Yenana:
How can South Africa do better to commemorate Youth Month?
Naiwa Sithebe:
As citizens, we need to engage in honest conversations with one another and reflect deeply on our individual roles and contributions in uplifting our communities. Youth Month shouldn’t just be a moment to remember — it should inspire ongoing action at every level.
From the government and corporate sectors, the challenge is to flip the script by investing in sustainable opportunities within the performing arts. This means viewing the arts not as a cost or luxury, but as a strategic investment that can empower youth, drive economic growth, and position South Africa to compete on a global stage. Reflecting on the programs that Actor Spaces has designed for pre-teens and the youth is truly encouraging,
Naiwa Sithebe’s passion for development is genuine and intentional, and witnessing how she passionately articulates the impact of the programs and how these programs shape the skills of budding actors, now that is priceless. So as we commemorate June 16th, let’s remember that by blending respectful remembrance with innovative engagement, leveraging the Arts thoughtfully, while honouring the Class of ’76, by inspiring the future differently. Ultimately, it’s how we choose to commemorate June 16 that speaks volumes about our respect for that generation, our history and their contributions to the freedom we enjoy today. – @NewsSA_Online.
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