Hwange film star vows to amplify women’s voices through storytelling

HWANGE-born scriptwriter and actress Liness Mobe, popularly known as Ntombi or MaDube, is determined to use her platform in the film industry to be the voice of women.

Her journey into the world of film and television began with a strong desire to amplify women’s voices, particularly those who are marginalised.

“I’ve always been passionate about the performing arts. My acting career began in primary school at Makwa, and I wrote my first script while I was in Form Two at Neshaya Secondary School. But as I grew older, I witnessed the struggles of women, especially those trapped in abusive marriages and I decided to use my craft to speak up for them,” Ntombi shared.

“I wanted to ensure that the stories of women were heard. Through my art, I wanted to create a platform for them to share their struggles and triumphs,” she added.
Ntombi’s dedication to her craft has seen her take part in numerous projects across the country.

“In 2018, I joined Achimwene Production and collaborated with Zimdigital to produce a 13-episode movie series that aired on ZBC. This was a huge learning experience and helped me expand my network within the industry,” she said.

Her career continued to flourish, and in 2020, she joined Shangano Arts Trust, working alongside Petros Ndlovu. This opened doors to collaborations with several NGOs, including the Savanna Trust in Harare, led by Daniel Maphosa. Through these partnerships, she received valuable training in theatre, further honing her acting skills.

“I’m especially grateful to Teddy Mangawa, who played a huge role in my development,” she said.
One of Ntombi’s most impactful projects was a theatre play centred around wildlife crimes, titled Tabona (Survival).

The play was performed in areas experiencing human-wildlife conflict, including Cross Mabale, Jwape, Chezhou and Lupote.

“This project not only deepened my understanding of social and environmental issues but also reinforced the power of art to raise awareness,” she recalled.

Her passion for theatre and activism continues to grow, with notable experiences such as her participation in the 2021 SADC Theatre Camp hosted by the Savanna Trust and a 10-day workshop on youth participation in civic and community development processes in 2022. She also performed in a play at the Intale Community Centre in Binga during that workshop.

With new projects underway, Ntombi is not slowing down. She is working with Brandon Mudenda and Mufaro Magwati on a series of short movies and skits. Their first release, a four-minute play titled Zukwereti, is available on YouTube, with plans to expand the series to four episodes. The play addresses the challenges faced by women in marriages, especially those who are financially dependent.

Additionally, Ntombi is working on a movie project titled Blackmail in collaboration with digital creator Godwin Ndlovu Blackstone.

“Through these projects, I aim to continue amplifying the voices of women and marginalised communities. Storytelling has the power to bring about positive change, and I want to use my work to inspire that change,” Ntombi said.
– @mthabisi_mthire