Bios Of The
Anchors
There are three anchors for this programme. Both of these actors
appear in the Soul Buddyz programme and children strongly identify with
them.
Thando Dlamini (Plays Nozipho in Soul Buddyz)
As active in the arts as she is on the sports field the multi-talented
Thando Dlamini is a real credit to Sacred Hearts College. When she’s
not on stage singing, dancing or acting you will find this energetic
14-year old enjoying herself in the great outdoors where she’ll be
playing either netball, volleyball or basketball. She also speaks three
languages - Zulu, English and Sotho. Thando’s early career in drama has
already seen her in a lead role in District Six, a school play, and she
has one of the major roles in Soul Buddyz. One of three siblings, she
plays the marimba to the delight of her brother and sister.
Shaughn Reyneke (Plays Hamilton in Soul Buddyz)
The youngest of four siblings, Shaughn Reyneke began his stage career
in grade 1 when he played a ‘thirsty boy’. This led to a variety of
roles in Sunday school plays. He has spent three and a half years at
the Children’s Theatre, which he describes as a ‘wow’ experience.
He has learnt to sing, dance, and mime as well as how to be a
professional clown but his biggest break has been Soul Buddyz. He gets
to play the spoilt rich kid who is chauffeur-driven to all school
functions and has an abundant supply of money. “It’s so lekker,” he
says. He aspires to writing scripts for children’s television but for
now enjoys funnyman Martin Lawrence and high-kicking Jackie Chan, who
are among his Hollywood heroes.
Claire Zijlestra (Kylie)
Claire studies at the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein
where Art is her favourite subject. At 15, Claire is older than the
12-year old Kylie whom she plays, but shares some of her personality
traits. While Kylie amuses herself with puppets, Claire makes puppets
and also knows how to keep herself busy.
Soul Buddyz has given her the opportunity to act for the first time
without pushing her too hard. At home she has learnt a lot about
kindness and understanding from her 24-year old sister. Claire has
plans for a career in graphic design and acting. “I’d like to be a
presenter on K-TV and also act in some movies because I want to be
known for more than just one character,” she says. Her heroes of
Hollywood are Will Smith and Mel Gibson, but she chooses Oprah for
deeper motivation and Charlize Theron for homegrown inspiration in
facing big challenges to bring home the Oscar.
From The Soul City Institute
Aadielah Maker
Aadielah has her Masters in Community Health from the University of
New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. She is an activist by nature and
was involved in student and youth politics, which spilled over to
health and development in the early 1990s.
She has worked in the field of youth, sexual and reproductive health
and development for the past thirteen years. Aadielah has been involved
with Soul Buddyz since the first series. Her involvement in HIV work
started as a volunteer whilst at university.
The highlight of her AIDS campaign work include being involved a
campaign with Nelson Mandela, getting a major newspaper to include
condoms in its publication and working on Soul Buddyz, of course.