Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu in Johannesburg, South Africa
AT a time when tensions around immigration are rising in South Africa, one Zimbabwean comedian is choosing a different path — using humour to bring people together.
Stand-up comic Frank Chirisa is making waves across the region, not just for his jokes, but for his message. While some voices grow louder with anger, Chirisa is quietly building bridges. Teaming up with fellow Zimbabwean Aljoy Chik and several South African comedians, he recently featured in a skit promoting peace and unity.
But this is only one part of a much bigger journey.
Chirisa has thrown himself into a demanding comedy tour across South Africa, determined to sharpen his craft in one of Africa’s toughest entertainment spaces. He arrived on May 23 for a packed schedule of 19 shows, set to run until June 8.
For many, such a schedule would seem impossible. For Chirisa, it is a challenge he has embraced fully.
“I just came here so I could learn as much as I can from an industry that’s functional and we have been having a great time so far,” Chirisa said.
So far, the risks are paying off. Performing almost every day, he says he has been consistent on stage and has not missed a beat.
“I have been performing every day since Saturday and I’m yet to have a bad performance,” Chirisa noted.
Away from the spotlight, what has stood out most to him is the warmth he has received. At a time when outsiders might feel uneasy, Chirisa says he has been made to feel at home.
“South African comedians welcomed me with a warm heart and didn’t make me feel like an outsider for once. They are nice to me at gigs, before and after. I don’t get to worry about food, transport or my safety. I am in great hands,” he said.
His growing network did not happen overnight. He had already laid the groundwork during an earlier visit in November last year, where he began building relationships.
“I was here in November last year and managed to make a couple of new friends who I have stayed in touch with since then. But when I came back, I made more friends and met more comedians who I have heard of and always wished to meet.”
This tour has turned those connections into real opportunities. Chirisa has found himself sharing stages with some of South Africa’s respected comedy names, moving from being a fan to standing alongside them as a peer.
One highlight was working with Kedibone Mulaudzi, a pioneer in the South African comedy scene known for helping launch Trevor Noah’s early career.
“He then invited me to his ‘Kedibone and Friends’ show where I got a slot on Wednesday at Kings Kraal,” Chirisa revealed.
He also met comedians he had long admired.
“I met Nicholas Goliath, Virgil Prins, and Q Dube for the first time — these are guys I have been fans of.”
Another major moment came when Chirisa connected with the South Africans Broadcasting Satire (SABS) network, a popular online comedy platform run by some of the country’s top comedians.
He was invited to take part in a sketch dealing with ongoing protests in South Africa. While the experience was exciting, it was not easy to stay serious during filming.
“The sketch was funny to make; it was hard to act with a straight face as everyone made a funny contribution every second,” Chirisa recalled.
The project also brought together familiar faces from home, including Zimbabwean comedians Chik Aljoy, George Kuda and Sima.
After the sketch, Chirisa appeared on SABS’s People Need Comedy podcast, where he was humourously roasted — a moment he used to promote his shows in Johannesburg.
He did not hold back his appreciation for the team behind the platform.
“I love the crew at SABS, they have always been nice to me. I have performed at their shows & they have welcomed me to their studios too. A big shoutout to Shanray, Tsitsi Chiumya, Farieda, Thabiso, Popps & the background staff too, Rhulani and Kgako.”
Beyond the laughter, the experience has opened his eyes to the level of professionalism in South Africa’s entertainment industry. He now hopes to carry those lessons back home.
“Being there, seeing the amount of work that gets put behind the scenes makes me realise how serious we don’t take our productions in Zimbabwe. I have learnt a lot and I can’t wait to be back home to implement,” Chirisa said.
Chirisa is no stranger to hard work across borders. Last October, he pulled off a remarkable run, performing in Zimbabwe, Eswatini and South Africa within just a few days. His stops included the Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo, the Eswatini International Comedy Festival, and a show at The Bioscope in Johannesburg.
He is still chasing major honours such as the Bulawayo Arts Awards and the National Arts Merit Awards, but his journey shows that recognition may only be a matter of time.
For now, his focus remains clear — to keep improving, keep performing, and keep spreading laughter where it is needed most.
