We chat to Kop’s young recruit, Emmanuel, who’s taken up boxing after being bullied.
According to Stand Up and Stop Bullying in South Africa, approximately 40% to 80% of school-age children experience bullying at some point during their school careers.
Nkosiphendule Cengani (18), originally from the Eastern Cape in uMthatha, speaks to us about bullying and boxing.
Tell us about your character Emmanuel Gumede.
Emmanuel is a young, energetic teenager with a bit of a temper. He gets angry easily and gets into fights with older boys. He lives with an alcoholic dad and has a crush on Reneilwe.
How did you get into acting?
I’m an avid movie watcher, and around 2006 I fell in love with acting. In 2008 I decided to pursue my love for acting by taking up children’s drama classes at the State Theatre in Pretoria. This year I joined National School of Arts (NSA) in Braamfontein, which is a high school specialising in arts, where I’m doing Grade 11 now.
Is this your first acting gig?
No, but this is my first big break. I had cameo roles on Room 9 where I played the character of Elias, a swimmer. On 4Play: Sex Tips For Girls I played an orphan with HIV.
What’s it been like working on the Rhythm City set?
I’m loving it! It’s been a learning experience, I’ve learnt a lot from the cast and production team, everything from analysing a script to getting into character.
Have you ever been a bullied?
Sadly yes, I was bullied at primary school. When the bullying persisted, I confided in my parents and luckily they didn’t dismiss it, they came to my rescue. My advice to those facing bullying is to speak out, I know it’s not easy but keeping quiet won’t make it go away.
Are you a boxing fan?
Yes, I love boxing because it’s a sport that toughens up boys. My favourite boxer is Floyd Junior Mayweather.
Follow Rhythm City on twitter, Facebook and Mxit (search Apps for ‘Rhythm City’) and watch all the drama every week day at 6.30PM with an omnibus on Saturdays from 9:30AM.
