Siphumeze Tase – otherwise known as Speech – was born in Umtata but comes from East London. His major for this year is screenwriting.
TRAVEL DREAMS
Speech has big dreams. One of his dreams is to travel to the UK – during Wimbledon, of course. ‘I’m a huge fan of tennis; I played in high school,’ he explains. France and Italy would be second on the list, as he believes that those two countries are rich in culture and architecture. ‘To learn different cultures, I consider myself as cosmopolitan.’
What, according to Speech, should be the biggest priority in one’s life? ‘Your purpose,’ he says. ‘The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that whatever you do, you should add value.’
I ask him to explain what he means by ‘adding value.’ He gives a thoughtful answer: ‘I’m a filmmaker, and in the filmmaking profession I need to add value, whether adding value in the discipline or adding value to the people that watch my films. If a person watches one of my films, they should feel empowered in a way, whether in the way they lead their daily lives or in their thought process.’
AFDA VS NMU
Unlike the other Honours students, Speech did his undergraduate degree at the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth. Through the BA in Media Communications and Culture degree, he focused on the Film and TV production stream. I ask him what’s the difference between studying at NMU and AFDA. He answers, ‘Although NMU had practicals, it was more theory and AFDA is way more practical, and the AFDA facilities are state of the art.’
Speech’s motivation and decision to study at AFDA this year was because he wanted to hone his writing skills. He likes AFDA’s environment and the like-mindedness of the people.
If there was one thing Speech could tell his younger self, he would give himself the following advice: ‘Life isn’t meant to be easy, steer clear of anyone or anything with negative energy.’
RESEARCH FOCUS
Speech’s research thesis focus for this year is as follows:
‘How to craft Black characters that resonate with the audience’
‘Black actors in SA films are always crafted to be in some or other criminal syndicate. We don’t have Black characters that are models for the young to follow. We need a culture shift,’ Speech says.
I ask Speech if there’s someone he admires in South Africa. His answer? The former president Thabo Mbeki. ‘I like his views and objectivity. I feel he has a lot of wisdom. In his tenure, he always strived for unity in diversity through each person’s interests and prospects as not a single person no matter the race, creed, or culture is the same.’
INDEPENDENT BUSINESSMAN
I ask him to share his earliest memory. ‘I remember my first day in Grade 1. I cried when my mom left me, as I didn’t understand what was happening.’ It sounds like a terrible memory, but he explains further, ‘It’s a good memory because I learned independence that day.’
I ask him if he thinks independence is good or bad. ‘Independence is a very good thing. Asking for assistance when in need, adds to growth.’
Speech is an entrepreneur, and he sees the gaps in the marketplace and provides the answers to them. On the AFDA campus, he say that the cafeteria wasn’t providing for the needs of the people on campus. ‘I approached the dean, Mr. Wilby, and I provided a sample menu that would be convenient for students and staff– both in pricing and variety.’ His business idea was approved, and ‘Stitches & Cafeteria’ was launched in the second term. ‘I have always loved making food, I feel it’s a cross-cultural thing, the ability to introduce people to different tastes and seeing them enjoy makes me happy.’ Speech’s plan is to hopefully expand and be on Mr. D and Uber Eats as well.
What is the legacy he would like to leave behind one day? ‘That I lived life every day,’ he simply says. Speech’s life shows that he is succeeding. Speech has a vast knowledge of South Africa’s history and current political challenges, and conversations with him are always rewarding. He uses the knowledge and experiences that he’s got, by living with wisdom and understanding. He is respectful and honourable towards others and looks at life from different angles. Yes, Speech is making an impact right where he is, just by being who he is as a man.
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Even though his major for this year is screenwriting, Speech also has a big interest in directing. ‘My dream job would be to make films that resonate with the audience; I want to add value to the SA film sector.’
Speech’s favourite movie is Transformers 3 by Michael Bay. ‘As a screenwriter or director, I feel you have more control of the message you want to convey.’
