Veteran actress Kedibone Manyaka has spent over two decades in the entertainment industry, yet she believes she’s never received the recognition she truly deserves.
Born and raised in Atteridgeville, Tshwane, Kedibone began her professional acting journey in 2004. Since then, she has built an impressive résumé, featuring in acclaimed productions such as Soul City, Skeem Saam, the international film Blood Diamond, and more recently, Sabbatical.
“I’ve been in the industry for more than 20 years,” she said. “My career started on stage, and now I also work behind the scenes as a director and writer. But my passion is still acting.”
Despite her dedication and wide-ranging experience, Kedibone feels overlooked in an industry that can be unforgiving.
Kedibone Manyaka speaks her truth
“Honestly speaking, I’m one of the most underrated actors in South Africa,” she said. “I’m one of the greatest. But this industry is very cruel.”
Like many artists, Kedibone Manyaka has faced the financial uncertainties that come with a career in the performing arts. To secure her future, she’s looking to broaden her horizons.
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“I can’t rely on acting alone,” she said. “I’m starting a small business because we don’t want people to say artists are struggling. Society judges us for not having certain things—like a car—as if success is only material.”
Through it all, Kedibone has learned the value of perseverance.
“This journey demands patience. If I didn’t have that, I would’ve quit a long time ago,” she said.
Now, she hopes South Africans will rally behind local talent.
“Support local films and actors. We have so much talent in this country that deserves to be celebrated,” she urged.
Source – Daily Sun