The passion and purpose behind young talent Boitumelo 'Ngwedi' Moroka’s rise in the performing arts

In the heart of Kimberley, a 14-year-old boy is breaking barriers and lighting up stages and screens with a passion far beyond his years. His name is Boitumelo Moroka, though most people in the local arts scene know him as “Ngwedi”, a name that means “moon” in Setswana. And just like the moon, Ngwedi shines brightly even in the darkest of skies.

A Grade 9 learner at Tetlanyo Senior Secondary School, Boitumelo has always known that his heart beats to the rhythm of performance. From school plays and community theatre to short films and international movie sets, his journey into acting and dancing has been nothing short of inspiring.

“I’ve always been drawn to acting and dancing,” Boitumelo explains. “It’s where I find my happy place. Telling stories through movement and emotion helps me express who I really am.”

A journey rooted in storytelling

For Boitumelo, performing isn’t just a hobby. It’s a calling. He recalls how, as a child, he would get lost in the world of theatre and music, mesmerised by the characters and emotions on stage. With each new performance, his love for storytelling deepened. Whether dancing in the streets or acting in a local school production, the young star was laying the groundwork for a dream that continues to unfold today.

Stepping into the international spotlight

Earlier this year, Boitumelo took a major leap forward in his acting career when he was cast in the international feature film Poacher’s Moon, directed by the acclaimed Tom Datnow. The film, shot in Kimberley, delves into pressing issues such as trauma, poverty, and the rhino poaching crisis in South Africa.

“Working on Poacher’s Moon was an incredible experience,” says Boitumelo. “Tom Datnow brought so much passion to the project. The cast and crew were all so dedicated, and I learnt more than I ever imagined I would.”

Filming locally not only grounded the project in authenticity but also allowed Boitumelo to witness firsthand how storytelling can drive conversations about real-world issues. He was especially moved by the way the film shed light on the human experiences behind social struggles, and he left the set with a renewed appreciation for the resilience of people in the face of adversity.

“That experience showed me how powerful storytelling can be, not just to entertain, but to educate and inspire change,” he reflects.

Diving into horror and emotional depth

Just a few months later, Boitumelo pushed his boundaries once again by taking on a challenging role in a short horror film directed by Vincent Moloi and Thato Mokubung. 

The role was emotionally intense: he played a young boy trying to save his family from an evil pastor, navigating scenes of fear, desperation, and hope.

“It was scary and exciting at the same time,” he says. “I had to tap into real emotions, fear, courage, vulnerability, all while maintaining the energy the role demanded.”

Working under the direction of two seasoned filmmakers, Boitumelo saw his craft grow even further. The horror setting forced him to explore a different side of storytelling, one rooted in suspense and psychological tension. But rather than shy away, he embraced the challenge.

“The film helped me grow as an actor. It wasn’t easy, but I learnt to push through discomfort and trust myself.”

Balancing books and big dreams

At 14, most kids are still trying to figure out who they are. Boitumelo already knows who he wants to be. But that doesn’t mean life is easy. Balancing school, acting, dance, and personal time is no small task.

“It’s a lot,” he admits. “Some days are chaotic, but I try to stay on top of my schoolwork and make time for my passions. My parents and teachers really support me as they remind me to rest and not overdo it.”

His maturity in handling the balancing act is evident, and he emphasises the importance of structure, discipline, and knowing when to pause and recharge. Even when the pressure builds, Boitumelo never loses sight of why he does it: the love for performance and the stories that need to be told.

The people who inspire him

Ask him about his acting inspirations, and Boitumelo lights up. His eyes shine as he lists Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Connie Ferguson, Themba Ndaba, and the late Presley Chweneyagae. What he admires most is their emotional authenticity, their commitment to using their craft to uplift others, and their ability to fully immerse themselves in their roles.

“They tell powerful stories that stick with you,” he says. “I want to do that too; I want to make people feel something and think differently because of a character I played.”

The road ahead

Despite his early success, Boitumelo remains grounded. He understands the industry is filled with highs and lows, and he’s already faced doubts and setbacks. But he meets these moments with resilience.

“There have been times I felt unsure of myself or didn’t get the part I hoped for,” he says. “But I remind myself why I started. I want to tell stories that matter.”

And the stories he wants to tell are deeply rooted in African experiences. He dreams of becoming a versatile actor who can move seamlessly between genres, whether comedy, drama, or horror, while uplifting African voices and exploring identity, culture, and justice.

“There’s so much beauty in African stories. I want to bring those to the world, show people the richness of our cultures, the complexity of our struggles, and the joy in our triumphs.”

A message to other young dreamers

More than anything, Boitumelo wants other kids to know that their dreams are valid.

“You don’t have to wait until you’re older to go after what you love,” he says. “Take risks, believe in yourself, and never stop learning. Even if it’s hard, it’s worth it.”

His message is clear: Be authentic. Be fearless. Keep going.

A star on the rise

As he continues to learn and grow, Boitumelo “Ngwedi” Moroka is not just chasing his dream; he’s living it. With each performance, he adds another chapter to his story. A story filled with passion, courage, and a determination to leave a mark on the world through the art he loves.

And if the moon is a symbol of light in the dark, then Ngwedi is a fitting name. Because no matter how early it may seem in his journey, Boitumelo is already shining.