BEFORE Sisanda Henna embarked on a successful career as an actor, filmmaker and success coach, he walked the halls of Union High School as one of its learners.
This year’s Centenary Interschools will see Henna’s 1999 matric class celebrate their 20th reunion.
Since matriculating from Union High School in 1999, Henna has become an award-winning actor and producer, gaining vast experience in the film industry, from writing and directing to packaging and financing motion pictures.
He has starred in and taken on supporting roles in over 40 local and international productions and has even lent his voice to animations.
Having achieved great success in his chosen field, he attributes this to his years spent at Union.
“One of my most enduring memories is that of a class history trip we went on to Cape Town. While on this trip, we were fortunate to visit Robben Island and to attend a musical at Baxter Theatre called Kat and the Kings.
“It was a life-changing experience as it turned out, that inspired me to reach for the stars through making movies, acting, writing, directing and producing,” said Henna.
Henna’s career took off soon after finishing his studies with his performance in the prime-time drama series Tsha Tsha on SABC1 which garnered him the 2003 best actor in a drama Duku Duku Award.
Henna also starred in This Life, on SABC3; an adaptation of the BBC drama about a group of young attorneys sharing a crowded flat, trying to launch their careers in law.
Henna’s transformation was vast and powerful, showing his versatility and excellent work ethic.
Around the same period, Henna became the face of South Africa’s biggest mobile cellular network at the time, MTN – appearing in all their commercials, billboards and stills campaigns.
Henna’s star continued to rise and he went on to play a variety of roles in a number of well-known South African productions, as well as the popular US medical drama series, ER.
Henna also starred in a myriad national and international films.
After winning the 2005 Eastern Cape metropolitan young achiever award, Henna turned to directing and producing for a few years, working on award-winning shows such as Intersections II, Gauteng Maboneng and Gold Diggers.
Henna currently appears on SABC1’s Sunday night prime time drama, #Emjindini, and stars in a Canal+ drama series, Agent.
When asked what he remembered most fondly about his time spent at Union, this celebrated actor and filmmaker became quite enthused.
“I had the best experience in high school. From playing rugby to acting in school plays, competing in the National Eisteddfod, travelling with Interact and clowning around in science class to interesting conversations with our accounting teacher,” said Henna.
In addition, he said, “I learned so much at Union. All my teachers, as well as the hostel matron and headmaster, were really amazing and each, in their own unique way, made an impact on my life.
I was taught, there’s no such a thing as failure – try, experiment, do your best – that is living life to the fullest,” Henna said.
