Reddam House Helderfontein Grade 12 learner Gcobolwethu Dlova has been nominated for a Naledi Theatre Award, one of South Africa’s most respected theatre honours, for her performance in the school’s 2025 production of Radio City.

Gcobolwethu has been recognised in the category Best Performance by a Student in a Student Theatre Production, placing her among the country’s top emerging young performers. The Naledi Theatre Awards, now in their 21st year, celebrate excellence across South Africa’s professional and student theatre landscape.

Gcobolwethu Dlova, Grade 12 student at Reddam House Helderfontein, has been nominated for a Naledi Award

Her reaction to the nomination was immediate and deeply emotional. “I was completely shocked,” she says. “When I heard my name, an overwhelming sense of surprise washed over me and the tears instantly started flowing.”

In Radio City, Gcobolwethu played the role of Skye a bold, complex character navigating themes of oppression, rebellion and identity. It was a role that required both vocal strength and emotional depth.

“Being on stage brings out a certain part of me that nothing else can,” she says. “Every time I step on stage, I’m reminded that, in that moment, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Gcobolwethu Dlova, on stage at Reddam House Helderfontein in the production of Radio City

According to Sanele Sibiya, Head of Culture and Head of Dramatic Arts at Reddam House Helderfontein, the nomination reflects both Gcobolwethu’s individual talent and the calibre of the school’s performing arts programme.

“It is a huge milestone for any student to be nominated for an award of this level,” he says. “Gcobolwethu delivered a performance that combined strength with vulnerability, and she demonstrated a level of professionalism that many young performers aspire to.”

Sanele adds that the school’s philosophy centres on purpose-driven performance. “Do not perform for validation — perform because you have something to say. That is the foundation of everything we do. We are not chasing perfection; we are building confident, independent performers who understand their voice and their craft.”

The recognition comes at a significant moment for the school, as Reddam House Helderfontein prepares to stage its next major production, Edena!, from 18 to 21 March.

Gcobolwethu Dlova, on stage at Reddam House Helderfontein in the production of Radio City

The original musical, inspired by The Wizard of Oz and reimagined through an African lens, promises a completely different theatrical experience.

“After Radio City, audiences can expect something entirely new,” says Dlova. “Edena! is vibrant, emotional and uniquely African. It’s bigger, bolder and full of energy.”

Sanele adds that the production will showcase the full strength of the school’s cultural programme. “This is a true collaborative effort across our departments  from art and design to dance, music and drama. Audiences can expect colour, storytelling and a high standard of performance across the board.”

For both Gcobolwethu and the school, the Naledi nomination signals more than recognition  it reflects a growing pipeline of young talent ready to step into South Africa’s professional theatre space.

“Theatre teaches discipline, commitment and creativity in ways that extend far beyond the stage,” says Sanele. “These are students who will go on to lead, create and contribute meaningfully  whether in the arts or beyond.”