Roodepoort Theatre Honours South Africa’s Brightest Stars at Glittering 45th Anniversary Gala
The Roodepoort Theatre’s 45th Anniversary Gala sparkled with glitz, glamour, and rounds of applause as South Africa’s brightest stars were honoured in a dazzling black-tie celebration on Heritage Day, 24 September 2025.
Audiences were treated to a spectacular evening of performances spanning music, opera, dance, and theatre – a fitting tribute to the legends whose artistry has shaped the nation’s cultural identity. The Golden Chronicles Gala Celebration also unveiled the inaugural Stars of Roodepoort, a permanent foyer installation that enshrines the names of artists and institutions whose work has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s cultural landscape.
The 2025 Stars of Roodepoort Honourees
Artists & Performers
Celebrating the individuals whose artistry, creativity, and talent have defined generations of South African theatre, music, dance, and performance.
Vincent Hantam – Internationally acclaimed South African ballet dancer, choreographer, and teacher, celebrated for his pioneering role as one of the first black dancers to perform with the Royal Ballet School and Scottish Ballet.
Christopher Kindo – Renowned dancer and choreographer, remembered as a trailblazer in contemporary South African dance and recipient of multiple national awards for his choreography and performance.
Professor Reza de Wet – Award-winning playwright whose innovative body of work combined the surreal with the real, making her one of South Africa’s most important literary and theatrical voices.
Esmeralda Bihl – Acclaimed actress with a career spanning theatre, television, and film, recognised for powerful performances both locally and internationally.
André Odendaal – Veteran actor and director whose career of more than four decades has enriched South African stage, screen, and television with depth and artistry.
Dr Charl du Plessis – World-renowned concert pianist, composer, and Steinway Artist, celebrated for crossing the boundaries of classical and jazz performance with the Charl du Plessis Trio.
Wayne van Rooyen – Versatile actor of stage, television, and film, recognised with Naledi and SAFTA nominations for his dynamic performances across genres.
Vinette Ebrahim – Beloved actress and playwright whose career spans iconic theatre productions, television roles, and award-winning performances that continue to inspire.
Ilse Klink – Celebrated actress and singer, known for her commanding presence in musical theatre, opera, television, and film, with multiple accolades to her name.
Sandra Prinsloo – Legendary stage and screen actress, honoured with national awards including the Order of Ikhamanga, recognised for her more than 100 theatre roles and ground-breaking performances.
Frank Opperman – Iconic actor, musician, and director, best known for his unforgettable roles in Orkney Snork Nie and The Big Time, as well as his acclaimed stage work.
Elize Cawood & Wilson Dunster – Honoured jointly as one of South Africa’s most revered acting couples, remembered for their magnetic partnership on stage and screen.
Dr Victor (Victor Khojane) – Legendary musician, songwriter, and producer, known for his uplifting sound with The Rasta Rebels and as one of South Africa’s most popular live performers.
Bianca Le Grange – Multitalented singer, actress, and violinist who rose to fame on Idols and has since become a powerhouse in South African theatre and music.
Amanda Strydom – Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and actress, celebrated for her cabaret performances that combine music, poetry, and political commentary.
Stéfan Louw – Internationally acclaimed tenor and opera director, founder of the Stéfan Louw School of Singing, and a passionate advocate for bringing opera to new audiences.
Nataniël – Singer, songwriter, author, and entertainer, recognised as South Africa’s leading exponent of the solo stage act, with more than 110 original productions.
Pumeza Matshikiza – World-renowned soprano, Decca Classics recording artist, and cultural ambassador, acclaimed for her luminous tone and international performances.
Sibongile Mngoma – Award-winning soprano and voice coach, activist for the arts, and founder of the City of Roses Choir, recognised for her passion and humanitarian work.
Jana Cilliers – Veteran actress of stage, television, and film, with a career spanning decades and multiple awards recognising her contribution to South African theatre.
Kitty Phetla – Acclaimed ballerina and choreographer, celebrated internationally for her pioneering performances and her role as the first black ballerina to dance The Dying Swan in Russia.
Dr Samson Diamond – Award-winning violinist and educator, concertmaster, and arts leader, recognised for his role in building orchestral excellence in South Africa.
Greg Viljoen – Actor, writer, and director known for his innovative comedic work and acclaimed theatre productions, championing storytelling as a visceral art form.
Nicholas Ellenbogen – Playwright, director, and environmental activist, founder of Theatre for Africa, renowned for combining performance with conservation and education.
Kutlwano Masote – Esteemed cellist, conductor, and broadcaster, celebrated for his cross-genre collaborations and leadership in South Africa’s orchestral scene.
Thandiswa Mazwai – Multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and performer, internationally recognised for her pioneering fusion of African traditional music with contemporary sounds.
Emma Renzi – Legendary opera soprano whose distinguished career brought South African opera to international stages, remembered as one of the country’s greatest divas.
CEO Corner
Paying tribute to the visionary leaders whose stewardship and creativity shaped the Roodepoort Theatre across decades, the following CEOs have been honoured:
Weiss Doubell (1980–2008) – Founding Artistic Director, who led the Sasol Pro Musica Orchestra and embedded opera and symphonic traditions at Roodepoort Theatre.
Maretha Smit (2007–2010) – CEO who guided the theatre through financial challenges, strengthened community connections, and broadened programming.
Steven Sack (2011–2013) – CEO, curator, and activist who advanced cultural access and infrastructure, and played a pivotal role in arts policy and development.
Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema (2013–present) – Current CEO of Joburg City Theatres, a cultural leader steering the theatre into a new era of relevance and excellence.
Institutional Stars
Recognising the organisations and collectives whose work has built platforms for generations of performers and audiences alike, these institutions were honoured:
Rand Symphony Orchestra – Carel Henn – One of South Africa’s longest-running community orchestras, sustaining symphonic music for generations.
Jozi Youth Dance Company – Jayd Swart – A dynamic platform for young dancers to train and perform at professional levels.
Lefra Productions – Frans Swart – A leading theatre production house known for its farces, comedies, and national tours, contributing vibrancy to the Roodepoort stage.
National Eisteddfod – Dr Francois van den Berg – Champion of youth arts, whose leadership has given thousands of young performers the chance to shine.
Roodepoort Dance Festival – Wilcarina Yeats – A cornerstone youth dance competition, nurturing excellence and artistic growth for decades.
Russian School of Ballet – Yana Auger – Premier ballet school dedicated to world-class training in the Vaganova method.
“These are truly South Africa’s brightest stars, and it was our privilege to honour them at our 45th Anniversary Gala,” said Artistic Director James Ngcobo . “The evening shimmered with glitz and glamour, but more than that, it reflected the extraordinary artistry, passion, and dedication that have illuminated our stage for decades. In celebrating 45 years of their commitment – a commitment from which the theatre world and society at large has benefited – we have etched their legacy permanently into the Roodepoort Theatre. For generations to come, their names will inspire others to take the torch and carry the light of South African creativity into the future.”
