Kadelwa explores grief in latest animated short film

Following his participation in last year’s Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF), Plumtree-based animator and digital artist Kadelwa Joab Ndlovu has welcomed 2025 with the release of his short animated film, Echoes of Yesterday.

Inspired by self-taught South African animator Jonas Lekganyane – renowned for The Adventures of Noko Mashaba – Ndlovu’s latest project released this past weekend tackles the pressing issue of mental health.

“This animated piece tells the story of a troubled man who refuses to accept life’s harsh realities. After the loss of his daughter, he remains in denial, which leads him down a dark path.

“He begins hearing voices in his head and ultimately starts sleeping in his late daughter’s room, pushing his wife to the brink,” Ndlovu explained.

The three-minute short film, available on YouTube, features voice performances by Plumtree-based DJ Dumisani “DJ Yugoe” Magalane, Zinhle Sibanda and Ndlovu himself, bringing the script to life.

Ndlovu is making full use of the graphics tablet and the $300 animator guidebook he received at CTIAF.

With his creativity in motion, he is already conceptualising an animation series. — @MbuleloMpofu