K-CAP
KWAMASHU COMMUNITY
ADVANCEMENT PROJECTS

An early theatrical work associated with Mhlongo’s development as a theatre-maker. It contributed to his emerging focus on socially relevant African stories and community-based theatre. “Turning Point” was a protest theatre piece, together with “There is an Answer,” which Mhlongo produced and acted in whilst at university in 1989.

A landmark musical theatre production focusing on street children in Durban, exploring poverty, survival, vulnerability and hope. The production became one of Mhlongo’s signature works and toured internationally, including Denmark and London in 1996. It won a first Standing Ovation Award for K-CAP at the National Arts Festival (Makhanda), then known as Grahamstown National Arts Festival.

A powerful anti-war theatre musical production examining the impact of landmines on children, particularly in Angola, Mozambique and Bosnia. It toured the United Kingdom and became one of Mhlongo’s internationally recognised socially conscious productions.

A youth-focused production addressing child labour and children’s rights. It used theatre to raise awareness of social injustices affecting children and was performed in England and Denmark, receiving great reviews.

A large-scale Zulu musical and dance production telling the story of King Shaka and the formation of the Zulu kingdom. The production presents Shaka as a nation-builder and symbol of African unity. It premiered at the Nelson Mandela Theatre (Joburg Theatre) in Johannesburg in 2001, with President Nelson Mandela and his 80 grandchildren in attendance. President Mandela commented afterwards: “a great theatre experience since I came from prison… and King Shaka was my hero… a Napoleon Bonaparte of South Africa…”

A musical celebration of South Africa’s democracy and post-1994 achievements. Through music and dance, it celebrates South Africa while recognising the work still required to transform the country. It toured Poland, the Bahamas (International Recognition Award), the USA and the UK.

A dramatic production set in Westville Prison, based around the experiences of prisoners and the consequences of crime. The production promotes rehabilitation, personal responsibility and the possibility of rebuilding one’s life after imprisonment. It was developed with nine former prisoners and toured Leeds, UK. Lucky Simayile has since become a celebrity actor in South Africa, also providing theatre language advisory duties for the TV series Shaka iLembe.

A historical musical honouring Chief Albert Luthuli, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and South African liberation figure. Mhlongo developed the work to introduce Luthuli’s life, values and legacy to younger audiences. It toured communities across KwaZulu-Natal and was staged at major venues. Commissioned by the Office of the KZN Premier under Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, it creatively captured great moments of Luthuli’s life as the first African Nobel Peace Prize winner.

A political and social musical imagining the possibility of South Africa being led by a woman president in future. It explores women’s leadership, gender stereotypes and the barriers women face in pursuing positions of power. The production later toured internationally, including Dubai, Italy, China and New Orleans.

A musical tribute to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, celebrating the group’s contribution to South African music and international cultural heritage. Mhlongo described the production as one of his proudest creative achievements. Prof Joseph Shabalala requested Mhlongo to script, direct and co-produce this musical, which included a premiere at the State Theatre.

A dramatic work presented at the National Arts Festival, exploring love, relationships and a woman’s search for companionship through a tragic and unconventional story. This absurd theatre production introduced Wiseman Mncube as a highly talented actor, performing alongside Samukele Mkhize. Both are now household names in South African film and television.

A historical musical by Dr Edmund Mhlongo telling the story of Queen Nandi, mother of King Shaka. The production explores her courage, resilience, motherhood, sacrifice and leadership, while celebrating Zulu heritage, African history and the role of women. It premiered at The Playhouse Theatre in 2018 and has since toured nationally. It pays tribute to Princess Nandi as the maker of the king and administrator of King Shaka’s Zulu Kingdom. Her death led to the demise of the Kingdom.