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 called Lucky Fish.
Sowetan caught up with the 39-year-old actor ahead of the film’s premiere in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday night.
Papu revealed she dived right back into theatre after Gomora, and it was a warm welcome. “I did The Cry of Winnie Mandela, directed by Kgomotso ‘Momo’ Matsunyane, which was epic. It had two extensions [to its run], which is something that’s never been done before, and we’re back by popular demand this year. I also did Ka Lebitso la Moya, also directed by Momo,” said the actress.
“It received so many nominations at the Naledi Theatre Awards last year. In that process, I was also cast in a new movie, Lucky Fish.”
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’s coming 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.