Johannesburg – Veteran South African actor and playwright Dr John Kani has launched the John Kani Performing Arts Academy, a new platform aimed at mentoring and training young creative talents who believe in the power of storytelling to shape societies.
The launch took place in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, last week, where Kani described the academy as a space “for those who still believe that stories can change the world – because they always have, and they always will.”
Supported by the Anglo American Foundation and South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the academy is envisioned as a hub for creative growth, artistic excellence and community development. It seeks to professionalise the performing arts sector by equipping artists with advanced training and leadership skills that can compete on global stages.
Following the official opening, the academy began its provincial masterclasses, starting in Limpopo this week. The sessions, running from Tuesday to Thursday, bring together industry experts including State Theatre artistic director Aubrey Sekhabi and television writer Phathu Makwarela. Kani is expected to share his extensive experience with emerging performers and creative professionals.
The academy held its first masterclass in KwaZulu-Natal in September, led by renowned author Zakes Mda, theatre director Steven Stead, and actor-director Rajesh Gopie. The programme was directed by award-winning theatre administrator Ismail Mahomed. Among the participants was Spud actor Blessing Xaba, who shared his gratitude on social media after receiving a certificate of participation.
“I’m honoured to have made the roll in the first ever sitting of the John Kani Academy for performing arts. What an intensive programme and a blessing to a practitioner’s soul,” Xaba wrote, describing the experience as both challenging and transformative.
The next masterclass is set to take place in Gauteng. The academy offers advanced, professional-level training designed for artists with two to three years of industry experience.
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