A young man finds himself trapped between financial and academic struggles. He strives to find a balance between the two but the debt that he faces as a result of an unjust system and the manipulators of society becomes too much for him. A pawn in a political game, his dreams and academic success are threatened and shattered. 

Hlubi Nontlanga is an actor, Theatre administrator, writer and director. Hlubi is a graduate at the University of Cape Town after studying theatre and performance specialising in theatre making. Hlubi attained his NQF Level 5 certificate in performing arts at the New Africa Theatre Academy. He has high ambitions of becoming a successful actor, Director and Theatre administrator. He has featured in many theatre productions at The Artscape, the Baxter theatre, the National Arts Festival and Joseph Stone Auditorium in plays like Bendingazi, Finally it rains in the desert, Thabo Mbeki and other nightmares, Canvas, Indonga ziwelene, Only love can mend a broken heart,  He has worked with directors like Clare Stopford, Ntombesizwe Tena, Louse Coetzee, Tsepo wa Mamato, Mbongeni Nomkonwana. He is also a founder and current Artistic Director of Mntam Mbhem Theatre Company (NPO).

Hlubi Nontlanga is currently signed and represented by Jonathan Swart Artists Management.

Audience Responses

I found it challenging to watch, but at the same time it inspired me to talk about the issue students at UCT (and elsewhere) face. I was able to have a good discussion with my 17 year old son about the show. I did find it interesting that the main character was able to complete all his studies without paying (although I suppose his father could have been paying when he was still alive) and only when it came to graduation was there a problem ?

interesting but a bit less running around on the small stage would be nice. The support of the play by the lady and her music was very appreciated. was Maricana on Aug 16 2012 and was eff not formed in 2013? Did I understand that EFF was supportive? That could only be after they were formed.

Thought provoking , passionate actor who delivered a genuine and passionate performance. The traditional music accompaniment and Zulu dialogue contributed to the authenticity of the play. The play humanizes an event that for me had only been understood through the media. Well done.

I believe the sound balance to have been wrong, yes theatrically all the background shouting and music etc were all very powerful And pertinent and yes the singing was amazing but I think overpowering .... ?.?are we supposed to hear the story of the suffering young man or not ???

The show was great. it's thought provoking and it talks about a very tragic event that took place in this so called "democratic country". I commend the writer for opening up this type of a dialogue because there's a lot things happening in this country where people in power shy away when they need to take accountability but are too quick to take the credit when a "good deed" is done. it reflects the impact of death in a family and how that affect their lives going forward. I personally think that we need more shows like this one to educate people especially those in power about the value of one person in the entire family which is far beyond than just putting food on the table.