FROM the dusty streets of Duncan Village to featuring alongside international stars Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard in the movie Winnie Mandela, Aphiwe Bukani is living proof that anything can be achieved.
The 24-year-old matriculated from George Randell High School in East London in 2008. Equipped with just a matric certificate he moved to Johannesburg hoping to strike gold.
Having started out as an extra and background artist in local soapies such as Generations, Isidingo and Muvhango, Bukani managed to work himself into international contention.
“Through the assistance of my acting agency Zero 2 Hero, I was approached to feature in the film as a supporting actor,” Bukani said.
In addition to playing the character of a soccer player for the Mandela United Football Club he also plays the role of one of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s bodyguards.
“I was so excited when I got the part, knowing that this opportunity would open more doors for me.”
The film which hit US theatres last Friday is about the life of former President Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife, Madikizela-Mandela, played by Hudson, while Howard plays the role of the former president.
It follows Madikizela-Mandela’s life from when she met Mandela, and her role in the struggle for liberation.
The film also depicts her fall from grace when she became embroiled in the murder case of one of the Mandela football club members, Stompie Moeketsi.
Bukani plays one of the bodyguards who kidnapped Moeketsi.
Winnie Mandela was filmed two years ago in the Eastern Cape, Cape Town and Johannesburg, and is directed by South African director Darrel Roodt.
Bukani said it was a humbling experience acting alongside such “big stars”.
“The experience was one that I could never have imagined. Having the opportunity to engage with them was very educational as I got to learn more about the industry.”
The film opens in SA cinemas in October.
Apart from being a film star, Bukani is also the founding member of Strive Push Consultants which motivates local youths by giving motivational talks.
He was named as the young entrepreneur of the year for 2010 at the Youth Entrepreneur Awards hosted by Transformation Africa.
“Rest if you must but never give up. Where you come from does not define where you are going.
“Focus on the goals you want to achieve and let nothing distract you for your success depends on you,” Bukani said. — arethal@dispatch.co.za
EL actor joins Hollywood bigwigs in Winnie film
The 24-year-old matriculated from George Randell High School in East London in 2008. Equipped with just a matric certificate he moved to Johannesburg hoping to strike gold.
Having started out as an extra and background artist in local soapies such as Generations, Isidingo and Muvhango, Bukani managed to work himself into international contention.
“Through the assistance of my acting agency Zero 2 Hero, I was approached to feature in the film as a supporting actor,” Bukani said.
In addition to playing the character of a soccer player for the Mandela United Football Club he also plays the role of one of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s bodyguards.
“I was so excited when I got the part, knowing that this opportunity would open more doors for me.”
The film which hit US theatres last Friday is about the life of former President Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife, Madikizela-Mandela, played by Hudson, while Howard plays the role of the former president.
It follows Madikizela-Mandela’s life from when she met Mandela, and her role in the struggle for liberation.
The film also depicts her fall from grace when she became embroiled in the murder case of one of the Mandela football club members, Stompie Moeketsi.
Bukani plays one of the bodyguards who kidnapped Moeketsi.
Winnie Mandela was filmed two years ago in the Eastern Cape, Cape Town and Johannesburg, and is directed by South African director Darrel Roodt.
Bukani said it was a humbling experience acting alongside such “big stars”.
“The experience was one that I could never have imagined. Having the opportunity to engage with them was very educational as I got to learn more about the industry.”
The film opens in SA cinemas in October.
Apart from being a film star, Bukani is also the founding member of Strive Push Consultants which motivates local youths by giving motivational talks.
He was named as the young entrepreneur of the year for 2010 at the Youth Entrepreneur Awards hosted by Transformation Africa.
“Rest if you must but never give up. Where you come from does not define where you are going.
“Focus on the goals you want to achieve and let nothing distract you for your success depends on you,” Bukani said. — arethal@dispatch.co.za
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