Local learner wins scholarship to pursue acting in New York
The 14-year-old also won the schools Top Actor award.
Grade 8 Crawford learner, Reneiloe Mathebula, is on her way to the Big Apple in pursuit of her acting dream after recently winning a scholarship to study in New York.
Reneiloe won the opportunity during 33 & Me’s recent institution talent art show.
The 14-year-old said tears of joy flowed when she found out the news.
“I was sitting at a nail studio, removing my nails, and we were told that callbacks would happen between 08:00 and 13:00 and every time my mom’s phone rang, my heart jumped. As time passed, the truth was I did not see myself going to New York, but at 12:40, my mom walked towards me, with her phone in her hand and a voice said, ‘You are going to New York!’ You should have seen us both cry,” Reneiloe said.
Reneiloe said she’s been in the industry for two years at most and enjoys meeting new people.
“I love that somehow you grow into character and you become that person, lost in that role and the world changes,” she said.
“I enjoy playing roles that convey a message, sometimes, roles that I can relate to, and sometimes fun roles too.”
When not on stage Reneiloe enjoys swimming, fashion research and reading with her mom. Her favourite movie is The Watcher and her favourite actor is Cameron Boyce.
“He took every day as it came and never allowed his sickness to put him down and Dove Cameron, she is a girl like me, fashionable to the teeth.”
Reneiloe said she’s enjoyed a lot of support from her family and friends whom she referred to as her greatest fans. She planned to take her acting to the furthest heights in the years to come.
“I see myself as a shining star, an actress making a difference in other people’s lives. I see myself running my own business where I create opportunities for others to be creative in any space, but I don’t know how yet. I would love to try and bring a world of technology, and learning, a world where conversations can be held at a level many can learn at and I want acting to be a part of it. All together, don’t know how yet, but I am sure it is possible,” Reneiloe said.
Mother, Keneiloe said she was overjoyed at the news of her daughter’s achievement and firmly believes she’ll take the world by storm.
“I was overjoyed, I was so happy. All this makes me realise that as a parent all I can do is enjoy the journey. It fills my heart with gratitude every day,” Keneiloe said.
According to Keneiloe, Reneiloe wasn’t always interested in acting though as she grew older in school and participated in extra-curricular activities, her love for the art form grew.
“To be honest, not really. It was always about fashion and beauty. It was only when she joined drama and public speaking in Grade 4 and debate in Grade 8, that the confidence boost started kicking in and she realised that she enjoyed all that, that she started wanting to tap into acting,” Keneiloe said.
“There is greatness in all of us waiting to be explored, I always say and I trust she will do well.”
Crawford also congratulated its top thespian and expressed gratitude for putting the school on the international stage.
“The school is very thrilled to be represented by a learner of such high calibre as Reneiloe. We are proud of her efforts and hope that she continues to fly the Crawford flag high. We hope that Reneiloe’s victory inspires other learners to follow their dreams and pursue their passions,” said Nomfundo Dladla, English teacher.
Reneiloe plans to work and study in the States in future but is adamant that home is where the heart is and wants to ensure that no matter where her journey takes her, home remains the base.
“Someone gave me a chance, the world became my playground because I took a leap of faith. Trust and believe that you are worth it and invest in yourself. The power of small wins: celebrate small victories along the way when big ones happen you will be more than ready. Never forget to pay it forward too,” she said.
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