Shaping tomorrow's stories: Sisekho Velelo leads with purpose

 

Sisekho Velelo (32) is a dynamic South African actress whose work across theatre, television and film continues to establish her as a compelling and versatile storyteller.

Trained at the Youth in Trust Performing Arts Academy and Pro Arte Alphen Park in Pretoria, Sisekho has developed a performance style that blends acting, movement, and poetry, an approach rooted in both discipline and a deep love of expression.

Before moving to Johannesburg at age nine, the Eastern Cape her birthplace, was home. Sisekho now calls Johannesburg North home.

At 16, Sisekho started attending Pro Arte, where she specialised in dramatic arts.

After matriculating in 2012, she furthered her training at the South African State Theatre, where she spent two years refining her craft.

It was during this time that Sisekho learned to merge physical performance with storytelling, laying the foundation for her multifaceted career.

Storytelling as a career
But her journey into the arts began long before formal training.

As a child, Sisekho was introduced to performance through dance by her late cousin, Luyolo Ngalo,
“He would teach me the latest dance moves in our grandmother’s garage, every day after school. He would then encourage me to dance at family functions,” she said.

This early exposure sparked a broader interest in public speaking, poetry and acting, eventually leading her to pursue storytelling as a career.

A defining moment came in high school when Sisekho watched Woza Albert! at the Market Theatre and later Othello at the Brooklyn Theatre.

“I had two pivotal theatre experiences in high school that really sealed the deal for me. Our drama class went to the Market Theatre while we were studying Waiting for Godot. Mncedisi Shabangu’s performance was impeccable,” she said.

Best short film
Captivated by the power of live performance, she knew then that theatre was where she belonged.

Sisekho’s body of work reflects both range and depth.

On screen, she has appeared in Generations: The Legacy (2018), One Magic’s 1802: Love Defies Time (2023), and the international film My Africa (2024).

She is also set to appear as Buhle in Mzansi Magic’s upcoming dramedy KwaTsholo.

Additional credits include Ikhaya Lethu, recognised as Best Short Film by the Bertha Foundation, The Child and the White Lion and Multichoice Talent Factory’s Ngeculo. She has also featured in campaigns for leading brands such as Chicken Licken, MAQ Handwash, FNB, Old Mutual iWYZE and McCain.

On stage, she has taken on leading roles in The Princesses of Askies Shem Street, a multi-Naledi-nominated production, alongside The Movement (an adaptation of Antigone), Xova, Mother Courage and Her Children, and 1606, an Ovation award-winning production.

Moments of doubt
Her most recent role was at Sibikwa Arts Centre on April 26, where she had a leading role in the closing performance of Have you seen Zandile?

Sisekho has also toured nationally through an industrial theatre initiative for the Department of Correctional Services, using performance as a tool for engagement and education.

Her greatest challenge has been maintaining inspiration in an industry that demands constant resilience.

She credits her faith as a guiding force, turning to prayer and reflection in moments of doubt.
“Sometimes it takes me a while to get back on the pursuit, but when I look to God, the answer always seems to be that I’m not done.

“I think it’s important to pause and process your losses. It’s healthy.”

At the heart of her work is a clear intention “to hold a mirror up to society.”

Sisekho aims to create performances that invite audiences to reflect on themselves, their values, discomfort, and humanity.

This purpose extends particularly to young audiences, whom she hopes to inspire to become future theatre-makers and patrons.

Sisekho said that the words she would say to her younger self are: “Trust your gut, always. That is God talking to you and that voice will not lead you astray.”

Looking ahead, she is exploring opportunities to further her education, with ambitions that extend beyond performing.

Whether on stage or screen, her focus remains on creating meaningful, thought-provoking work that leaves a lasting impact.

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