The Free State-bred actor and activist against gender-based violence (GBV) Jane Mpholo has received another feather in her cap for her contribution towards empowering the community and advocacy against GBV. She was named among the finalists for this year’s Fabulous Woman Awards.
This acknowledged women for strides made during the 2023 term. The category winners were announced on Saturday, 3 August, at a glamorous function in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The awards were presented a 12th time, honouring women and girls who make a positive difference in their communities; provide influential leadership; and advocate for gender equality through personal endeavours and achievements. Finalists were spread across nine categories.
Based in Bloemfontein, Mpholo was one of the three finalists for the Fabulous Women End Gender-Based Violence Award. Khethiwe Nene was the winner, ahead of Mpholo and Sharon Harripersad.
Mpholo, a versatile actor, fast-tracks activism work through her self-titled entity, Jane Mpholo Pty Ltd, registered in 2022.
“I never anticipated this, given it is happening in a very early stage of the company’s existence and its social impact. I see this as an affirmation of touching lives positively, and I feel inspired – regardless of the outcome at the final,” said Mpholo.
The awards organiser stated that Mpholo was recognised and celebrated for her remarkable contributions to the arts and her relentless advocacy against GBV through the transformative power of theatre and the performing arts.
Mpholo’s entity engages in multi-disciplinary art practices, focusing on theatre, performing arts, film, and site-specific art to tackle GBV. Her work blends personal experiences with fictional narratives, creating original shows staged in both traditional and unconventional venues.
Mpholo’s activism is characterised and fuelled by resilience and triumph over tragedies, which include a rape ordeal at the age of 13 years; with the perpetrator claimed to have been a 17-year-old boy. She has lost both her parents to HIV, but she persevered and beat the odds. The tragedy continued when, at 25 years, she lost her sister and brother-in-law to a horrific act of domestic violence.
Mpholo was recently recognised by being awarded the South African Cultural and Creative Industry Outstanding Actor in Theatre Award. Her previous recognition include a kykNET Fiesta nomination; being selected as a finalist in the 200 Young SA Trailblazers competition for Mail and Guardian; and News24’s Young Mandelas of the Future award for 2023.
“Learn from the past to fuel a brighter future, where your potential knows no bounds,” Mpholo said.
