After daily drama Gomora aired its last episode in October 2023, fan-favourite Siyasanga Papu (Pretty) turned to the stage to reconnect with her craft.
Now she is stepping into the role of Motshabi Dandala in a new film, Lucky Fish.
Sowetan caught up with the 39-year-old actor ahead of the film’s premiere at Ster-Kinekor in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday night.
“I did The Cry of Winnie Mandela, directed by Kgomotso ‘Momo’ Matsunyane, which was epic," Papu revealed. "I got right back into theatre after Gomora, and all I received was a warm welcome. [The play] also received two extensions [to its run], which is something that has never been done before, and we’re back by popular demand this year. I also did Ka Lebitso la Moya, also directed by Momo.
“It received so many nominations at the Naledi Theatre Awards last year. I was simultaneously also cast in a new movie, Lucky Fish, produced by Roushouse Productions."
The movie, said Papu, was shot in Phoenix, Durban, and written and produced by Meren Reddy, popularly known for his role in City Ses’la, along with Craig Gardner.
“They have been writing this movie for a good eight years or so. Amazon then got involved, and finally, it came to fruition. It opened at the Durban International Film Festival last week, and it’s going to hit the cinemas on July 25,” she said.
Talking about her character in the film, Papu said Motshabi is “very much in her shell and reserved”, but finds her voice and owns it as her role unfolds.
“This film is about a diverse group of misfits, representing many people who have yet to find their voice. I hope that through the comedy and its relevance, viewers will likely identify one or two people who are very much like these characters– who find their voices through a beauty competition," she said.
“My biggest takeaway [from the movie] is that we still have a long way to go. The beauty standards were set by the Western World, and now here we are in Africa trying to fit those standards. When it comes to social media, we have these filters that make us look like things that we are not, which adds to what we’re trying to break free from. [At the moment], the beauty standards are distorted.”
Papu, who has been performing since her teenage years, is among the fortunate few actors who consistently find work in a competitive industry. However, she admits that professional consistency doesn’t mean accepting every role that comes her way— especially when a project lacks authenticity or vision for her as a performer.
“I’ve had instances where I could tell by reading the brief that it isn’t envisioning an actress like me, and then I move on. Visually, directors know what they want, but as an actor, you know you could carry the story; unfortunately, it wasn't written with you in mind," she said.
“Usually, the people behind the scenes have a perception of what viewers want, and then a flamboyant Siyasanga, who is plus-size, gets on stage, and they’re surprised that the world wants to see that. I hope that one day we get to see that it’s all about telling the story to the people, to hold a mirror that society will see itself through.”
The Cry of Winnie Mandela is still showing, and Papu is busy shooting a very small part in a telenovela – “but I can’t reveal much about it”.
As a cooking enthusiast and entrepreneur, Papu has been busy producing her own brand of chilli sauce that’s now in retail stores. “I love to cook, and it’s my first time trying this business venture, so maybe a cookbook is on the way.”
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