Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Lifestyle Senior Writer
IN Zimbabwe, successful stars in theatre, storytelling and filmmaking have garnered respect for their humble demeanor.
This quality often comes naturally, rooted in maturity and wisdom.
Such an approach enhances their careers, making them more likable, relatable and approachable.
Grounded yet astute characters often find opportunities for major collaborations in groundbreaking projects.
Their unparalleled humility ensures they remain focused on their work, prioritising its significance over fame and accolades.
With this mindset, they can easily serve as role models.
After all, humility is known for fostering genuine connections with colleagues and audiences alike.
It also encourages actors to remain open to feedback and new ideas, promoting growth and improvement in their craft.
Can this be said of the revered playwright, retired school headmaster, actor and talent scout, Ben Sibenke, with over 60 years of professional experience?
Approaching octogenarian status, Sibenke shows no signs of tiring.
His principles seem to have helped him build strong relationships with fellow actors, directors and crew members.
He believes that staying humble has led to a sustainable career, fostering continuous growth and positive connections within the industry.
EARLY DAYS
His journey began in the 1960s as a school teacher, actor and theatre director/trainer, engaging with many people throughout his life.
While many may remember him for his role as Mr Shereni in Zimbabwe’s first-ever soap opera, Studio 263, Sibenke is more than just a celebrated figure.
He belongs to the elite class of late theatre and film luminaries such as Cont Mhlanga, Stephen Chifunyise and Walter Mparutsa.
His greatest fear is the loss of this trio, who were part of his generation.
Sibenke finds solace in conversing with other living legends from his era, like Aaron Chiundura Moyo and Stephen Chigorimbo.
An easy-going individual, Sibenke can relate to anyone, and Charles Kapfupi (better known as Mr Wakanaka from Studio 263) remains his confidante.
Reflecting on his six-decade journey at the top, Sibenke sees the hand of the Lord in granting him prolonged life.
“I have always maintained this humble demeanor from the time I was born on Midlands farms around Chiundura District near Lalapanzi in a family of seven – four boys and three girls.
“At St Leonard and St Patrick primary schools, I was considered a unique learner by my teachers. One of my teachers, Mr Channels, a white man, discovered my talent as an actor when I was studying at Sireme Mission in Matabeleland South near the Matopos area,” Sibenke shared.
After being “anointed” by Mr Channels, Sibenke’s love for acting did not wane, even after graduating from Umtali Teachers College, now known as Mutare Teachers College.
“I trained as a teacher around 1965, and I was not ashamed to pursue theatre in college, where I joined a drama club.
“After graduating, I was deployed at Senga Primary School in Gweru, where I taught many youngsters of that generation acting.
‘‘I was popular in the area as a young and energetic teacher who thoroughly enjoyed acting and training aspiring actors,” Sibenke recounted.
Determined to serve the Midlands community, Sibenke found himself teaching drama to both school leavers and learners in Senga Primary School and its surrounding areas.
“I have always believed in talent identification and inspiring others to realise the potential of their God-given talent.
“In my case, I was also inspired by others, especially in high school, where I acted in a play adapted from a book written by Isaac Mpofu called ‘Wangitembisa’, which was very popular back in the day.
“ I felt I could do the same for learners at Senga Primary School since I started performing novel stories adapted from several books, including Gara Ndichauya, which is still popular today,” stated the veteran playwright.
Despite his busy schedule as a teacher, drama instructor and actor, Sibenke still found time to write more plays that later became hits with many people of his generation.
“I have written several drama plays like ‘Chidembo Chanhuhwa’ in 1969, ‘Afa, Afa – Asara, Asa’ for school leavers, and ‘Chisara Mwana Wangu Mhekiya’. In 1982, I published my book ‘My Uncle Grey Bhonzo’ with Longman Publishers, which was popular at the time,” he continued.
Despite spending 13 years as a classroom teacher, seven years as Deputy Headmaster, and 26 years as Headmaster, his love for theatre and drama could not be quenched, as it became his lifestyle, which he still cherishes today.
“While I spent 46 years in the education sector, I was privileged to pursue drama and theatre.
‘‘I sometimes wonder how I became the founder of the Mashonaland Art, Drama, and Cultural Association and the People’s Company in 1982.
‘‘I had the opportunity to perform at the Berlin and Edinburgh Festivals in the United Kingdom alongside the likes of Walter Mparutsa and Dominic Kanaventi, one of the finest actors of our time.”
With many people in Mabvuku still treating him as a demi-god, he remains grounded.
“At one point, I made Mabvuku and Tafara the hub of drama, where I groomed talents like Mutirowanza (real name Simon Shumba) and Mafios Admas, among others. I worked with the National Theatre Organisation (NTO) chairperson, Sue Hainz, Friday Mbirimi, Charles Mucheriwa, and Ticky “Samamuzi” Mackay.
‘‘It was a marvel working with Sakamuzi from Amakhosi Theatre, who was a stage fighting instructor. During acting scenes, it would appear as if it was a real fight, yet it was only acting.”
Studio 263 Stint
Sibenke described his stint at Studio 263 as the most enjoyable period of his career.
“Studio 263 was something else because there was a pool of talent there. I feel proud to have been one of the people who were there from start to finish.
“It was where I met several stars, including Ben Mahaka and Charles Kapfupi, who remains my best friend to this day, along with Anne Nhira, Chamaigne Mangwende, and Tatenda Mavetera, who is now a Cabinet Minister.
‘‘I believe it will remain one of the best productions to emerge from Zimbabwe, as it aired from Monday to Friday for years and became a favorite among many,” he narrated.
To cement his humble demeanor, Sibenke was then working with some of his former students, including executive producer, the late Gowdin Mawuru.
“At one point, he was my student during our workshops, and at *Studio 263*, he became my boss.
‘‘Of course, he has now passed away, but I maintained a good relationship with him, and to the surprise of many, they didn’t know he was actually a brilliant actor whom I had groomed,” he shared.
Deaths
As he celebrates over 60 years as a professional actor and director, Sibenke told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that he is reeling from the loss of good peers.
“In my entire life, I can safely say that I have lost many of my peers with whom I had great plans, including some of the youngest stars I thought would outlive me.
“ One such person I cherished the most was Cont Mhlanga because we were planning great things together.
He died on the same day as my elder brother Clever, which complicated my ability to attend his burial,” he stated.
“Losing people you thought would be part of your journey is not only hard to take but truly complicated and unbearable.”
Long life and future
Although he has retired from the education sector, Sibenke is still active in acting.
“I always keep myself occupied to avoid boredom, which can lead people to indulge in undesirable activities.
‘‘This has helped me refresh my mind and continue pursuing what I love the most.”
He added, “We are currently shooting several projects with Gringo Junior (Taurai Boora, son of the late Lazarus Boora), and we are also working on another project called ‘Jekesai’ along with Charles Kapfupi and other yesteryear stars, making my schedule quite busy.”
Besides acting, he is now a Commissioner of Oath in Arcadia, Harare.
“By the way, I certify documents as a Commissioner of Oath, which has also kept me busy.
‘‘I have always been multitasking, and only death will stop me. As for the secret behind my long life, it can only be God’s grace. I can’t say I am clever, but God loves me.
‘‘I am also particular about what I eat since I prefer traditional delicacies, and I exercise,” he said.
With the nation bracing for the Heroes holidays, the creative sector has Sibenke to honour.
He remains a legend who has worked tirelessly to empower others through the arts.
