Tshepo Ramaphakela

Tshepo Ramaphakela, man, this guy’s basically everywhere in the South African film scene lately. If you haven’t come across his name, you probably just haven’t been paying attention, honestly. Seriously Single dropped in 2020, and wow, it’s a wild ride—super relatable if you’ve ever been dumped or just can’t seem to get your love life together. It’s got that perfect blend of cringe and charm, so you’re laughing at the awkwardness but also kinda rooting for the characters to get their act together. Then there’s Lobola Man in 2024, which takes this whole traditional meets modern angle about marriage and lobola (that’s bride price for the uninitiated). The movie pokes fun at how complicated relationships and family expectations can get, especially when money and culture clash. It’s full of those “oh no he didn’t” moments but manages to pull off some real heart underneath all the comedy. And don’t even get me started on Miseducation from 2023. Ramaphakela dives into the chaos of university life—think parties, secrets, and the kind of drama you only get when everyone’s trying to reinvent themselves. There’s a sharp edge to the writing, with a lot of sly humor about status, ambition, and the messy business of figuring out who you are. Basically, whether he’s behind the camera or involved in the script, Tshepo brings a real energy and a fresh voice that’s making local cinema way more interesting.