Best actor award for radio personality
The former Marsec pupil expressed his shock and gratitude for winning the award.
Gagasi FM radio personality Ngcebo Bhengu, originally from Boboyi, recently received the Best Performance/Best Male Actor award at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) annual Student Day.
Organised by the drama and production department at DUT, Student Day recognises outstanding students for their dedication and excellence in theatre.
The Best Performance/Best Male Actor award was presented to a student who showed exceptional skill and commitment across their year group in theatre performances.
The award highlighted Bhengu’s talent, hard work, and ability to bring characters to life on stage.
Bhengu, a former Marburg Secondary learner, expressed his shock and gratitude in his acceptance speech.
“This award is a huge blessing, and it took me by surprise because when I’m given a role in a production, getting an award for that role is something that is never on my mind. Instead, I focus on the character, telling the character’s journey and playing it honestly to the best of my capabilities. An accolade is always a cherry on top,” he said.
Bhengu was also recognised for his dedication and selflessness within the department.
He also received the Contribution to the Department award.
The award honoured a student who had consistently supported the department, represented it well outside of school, and gone above and beyond to assist fellow students.
He explained that the journey has not been easy since he started his studies.
“I have been in a total of 18 shows, in and out of school, and I always treated each one like my first and last performance. Being in all these productions has been a great training ground for what to expect in the industry and to grow my craft of storytelling,” he said.
Bhengu’s dedication to his craft was recently showcased in his recent lead role in the departmental musical production, The Scent of Change.
He described it as a powerful piece that explored the struggles of apartheid and the integration of Black and Indian schools.
He explained that his experience in the production helped to grow his acting skills, as it challenged him to step outside his comfort zone.
“I feel like that production grew my acting capabilities since it took me way out of my comfort zone, which is what musical theatre is all about—getting out of your shell and pushing yourself to the limit,” he said.
Bhengu said he was looking forward to his graduation in 2025 and his future in theatre.
He said the award was proof that hard work does pay off.
“Now the next step is graduation next year and more theatre. This isn’t the end for me with theatre. Theatre is a craft I was born with; it runs in my veins. So, if you don’t hear me on the radio, you will find me at the theatre,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gagasi FM congratulated Bhengu on his achievements, saying that it looks forward to seeing more of his contributions in the world of theatre.
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