In the rhythm of his words and the conviction in his voice, Tshepo Ramodisa carries the heartbeat of a storyteller who believes that art can be a powerful healer.

His journey began far from the stage lights, in the quiet village of Nakampe in the Bolobedu area of Limpopo, where a young boy with a notebook discovered that words could move people.

Read more: With mental health in youth becoming more prevalent, schools need to step up

Now 34, and based in Diepsloot, Ramodisa has grown into a multifaceted artist. An actor, author, and poet whose work is rooted in faith and motivation. “It felt incredible being in front of people, telling my story, and seeing how my words touched them.”

He recalled his first poetry performance, as a Grade 10 learner. “My classmates encouraged me to keep going, and that gave me the drive to take it further.”

That encouragement set him on a creative path that would lead him to Cape Town in 2013, where he began acting, writing plays, and forming his own theatre group, the Mahibuye Drama Group. There, he also mentored learners at Vusisizwe Secondary School, teaching them to act, write, and direct, shaping the next generation of young storytellers.

Over the years, Ramodisa has performed in and directed several stage productions, including Life Is Not About Quitting, The Interview, Soweto Shack, and Trust: The Unfolding Journey of Lies. His acting credits include roles in Voices of Faith, Shuttered: It Is Enough, and The Tie.

Among his proudest moments is playing Mandla in a Cape Town radio drama. A role that reminded him why he fell in love with storytelling. “Because it mirrors life and gives people a voice.”

Also read: Centennial Schools’ learner represents SA at teen entrepreneurship world cup

For Ramodisa, art is a form of ministry. “I’ve always believed that art is a way to touch lives. Acting allows me to bring stories to life, while writing and poetry give me the freedom to express emotions that can’t always be spoken.”

His writing explores themes of faith, love, identity, and purpose, with titles like Faith Never Lies and For You, I Wait offering hope and reflection. Currently, he is rehearsing for his one-man show, Locked-Up, which sheds light on the issue of abduction, and challenges the belief that only women are targets. He’s also preparing to release a poetry EP later this year.

“My message is simple. Start where you are, believe in your voice, and never lose sight of your purpose. Your story still matters.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!