Kabelo Maseng
Johannesburg is witnessing a surge of creative talent, with 21-year-old filmmaker Khaya Dube emerging as one of the city’s promising young voices. His award-winning short film Umxoxiso recently earned the Young Voices Award at the Joburg Film Festival, tackling the difficult themes of youth suicide and grief through culturally grounded storytelling.
Born and raised in Randburg, Dube credits Johannesburg’s multicultural environment for shaping his artistic perspective.
“Growing up in Joburg exposed me to a mix of cultures, languages and perspectives, and that diversity has deeply shaped the way I tell stories,” he explains.
His creative journey began at Roosevelt High School, where he directed his first theatre production, Heal. He later honed his technical skills at AFDA, collaborating with fellow students and building the foundation for his professional career.
Umxoxiso draws on indigenous childhood storytelling games to guide audiences through difficult conversations about loss. By weaving familiar cultural elements into the narrative, Dube transforms an uncomfortable subject into a space for reflection and community dialogue.
“The film ultimately encourages conversation,” says Dube. “Issues like suicide and grief affect families, friends and communities, and we need to speak about them openly.”
Recognition at the Joburg Film Festival has further affirmed Dube’s commitment to using storytelling as a tool for social reflection and engagement. He is currently expanding his creative portfolio with an experimental short film titled Gida! as well as a theatre production, A New Lease on Life.
Written by Natalija Cerimaj, the play will run at the Franklin Players Community Theatre in Randburg on 24 and 25 April and again on 1 May.
For Dube, young filmmakers have a responsibility to reflect the authentic experiences, fears and hopes of their generation. His advice to aspiring creatives is simple: embrace collaboration and be bold.
“Don’t wait for permission,” he says. “Your work begins the moment you decide to tell your story.”
SOURCED FROM THE CITY’S WEBSITE.
