Thoko Ntshinga

"I was excited to see more of us telling our stories with real roles."

"I’ve lived a fulfilling life, one that is filled with storytelling but more than anything I’m known as that woman who loves to share."

"We didn't have theatres that accepted black people."

"I come from a background of artists being poor, and I have vowed that I will not put up a production if artists are not going to be paid. I will look for funding. I will look for money so that artists--especially the young artists--know that you can actually live in this career. You can be able to make money and not stay poor."

"If you are on stage and use theater as a tool to talk to people, you reach them better. People don't want to be lectured. People don't want to be screamed at. People don't want to feel sad. But, you need to entertain as well as giving out the message. So, we kind of felt like in a community, people want to laugh."

"People want to laugh at themselves. But, who is going to start the joke?"

"But, along the way I realized you actually need to understand there's a lot more than just being on the stage. There's a lot involved that one does when one is an artist."

"My wish list is to have a proper theater in each and every township within South Africa. A proper theater. Because at the moment we're performing in halls, in school halls. We don't get the excitement of the lights, the sound…. That magic thing that happens when you put all of those things together on stage we can't have because we do not have all of the resources. So, for me, if I were to win loads and loads of money, I would plant theaters, proper theaters in each and every township in South Africa."

"The play doesn't pull any punches. It doesn't skirt the issues. It allows viewers to make up their own minds."

"I always think of how I have survived in this industry and try to make sure young actors do not struggle as much."

"Motherhood has taught me that nothing is impossible as long as you set your mind to it."

"But put yourself first before you can attempt to assist others. The world has many challenges but don’t ever think you can overcome all of them. Always say please and thank you."

"I was so busy making sure I worked hard to provide for them that sometimes I buried myself in work. Now, I can spoil their kids and be the adviser."

"You are doing great just by waking up in the morning and making sure your child is well and good."

"You go to bed worrying about what tomorrow will bring, but God always has a plan. Pat yourselves on the back and say “well done” every day. I know some mothers are struggling, but ladies, reach out – you are not alone."

"The bottom line is that there is this sore that hasn't healed in the country. We can't go anywhere, we can't go forward without healing this wound."

"Why is it we can't make use of the land? The ownership isn't as important as the use."