Local filmmaker’s big break, Sharon Mphela’s “Thabantso” set to hit the big screen

TAFELKOP – Molebogeng Sharon Mphela, a talented writer, actress, and filmmaker from Tafelkop Village in Makaepea Section, is making waves in the South African entertainment industry.

Growing up in a rural village, Sharon’s creativity was sparked at an early age. “I used to tell stories to children in the neighborhood, using small stones and drawing squares on paper to create characters,” she recalls.

Sharon’s early passion for storytelling led her to pursue a career in the arts. She honed her skills in stage dramas during her primary and secondary school days, attending Bakopa Primary School and later Mogudi Secondary School, where she completed her matric.

Sharon furthered her tertiary education at Ekurhuleni East College, Isindindo Campus, studying Primary Healthcare, and later attended Vhembe TVET College, where she graduated with a qualification in Primary Agriculture. She also completed a short course in filmmaking at SAACYF.

Sharon’s breakthrough came when she landed a main role in the drama “Why Marry and Why Her” by Moutse Film Production between 2016 and 2017. She went on to appear in the Shame D Entertainment Film Production’s “Umfula we Nyembezi” in 2020. Her writing talent earned her invitations to Thabantsho Local Radio Station and Moutse Radio Station in 2016.

Now, Mphela is taking her craft to the next level with her script “Thabantsho (The Dark Mountain),” a cultural story of the Bakgaga ba Kopa people, set to be produced and directed by Tebogo Film Production. The film is set to showcase the rich history and culture of Bakgaga Ba Kopa tribe.

The project is scheduled to shoot soon, with auditions held on Monday 29 December 2025, at the Bakgaga ba Kopa Tribal Office in Tafelkop, in partnership with Dr Tsebe Magampa.

Notably, Sandra Masiteng from Moja Love’s “Enough is Enough” joined the auditions as one of the judges, alongside other industry experts.

“Thabantsho” promises to showcase local talent and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Sekhukhune Region.

Sharon’s collaborations with renowned filmmakers, including Titanic Talent House, Ratseker Creative Hub, and Porcupine Creative Media Hub, have helped shape her vision.

With her dedication and passion, she is an inspiring example of talent thriving in the South African film industry. Her story serves as a testament to the power of grassroots storytelling and the importance of preserving cultural narratives.