![Man who wears many artistic hats](https://cdn.magzter.com/1605701739/1722031254/articles/xpu0xXk3D1722037986583/MAN-WHO-WEARS-MANY-ARTISTIC-HATS.jpg)
Now, Mlaba is a filmmaker, writer, director, social activist and cultural producer with a spirited passion for storytelling. From Boksburg in the East Rand, he recalls being a natural connector, even as a child.
He is a cofounder and managing director of the non-profit organisation, Umphakathi Artists, which facilitates his social work and impact programmes.
"I was always involved in the community but never knew what that meant as a kid. I was always bringing people together and it all made more sense in high school," he said.
His journey into the arts was not without hurdles. Despite initial setbacks, including the failed audition at NSA, Mlaba's resilience prevailed. He embraced setbacks as integral to self-growth.
"It's not about how hard you can hit, but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.
"This is a quote by Rocky Balboa the star character of the Rocky movie series, and a mantra I live by," he said.
"I started as an actor but soon found my calling behind the camera. Our first attempts behind the camera were rough. Freelancing in film is a tough gig," he admitted.
Despite early frustrations, notable roles with renowned companies like Bomb Productions and the Market Theatre provided valuable experience.
"I've ticked boxes I once dreamed of, said Mlaba.
Working on these productions shaped his perspective on storytelling and production quality.
Denne historien er fra July 27, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
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Denne historien er fra July 27, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![Boks chase NZ double](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/23703/1824141/V35EKbrmQ1725672773789/BOKS-CHASE-NZ-DOUBLE.jpg)
Boks chase NZ double
South Africa will be attempting to wrestle back the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.
!['Pecco' aims to pick himself up again](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/23703/1824141/pjx-icjyJ1725672723901/PECCO-AIMS-TO-PICK-HIMSELF-UP-AGAIN.jpg)
'Pecco' aims to pick himself up again
Francesco Bagnaia (right) has put his horror crash in Aragon behind him as the MotoGP champion attempts to reclaim top spot from Jorge Martin at this weekend's San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix.
![Kruger boosts SA medal count](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/23703/1824141/20c0Qei_F1725672677742/KRUGER-BOOSTS-SA-MEDAL-COUNT.jpg)
Kruger boosts SA medal count
Junior athlete Simone Kruger gave the national team's medal count a boost by claiming gold in the women's F38 discus throw at the Paralympic Games in Paris last night.
![Pegula scripts a dream story](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/23703/1824141/_YHE9YxGF1725672599727/PEGULA-SCRIPTS-A-DREAM-STORY.jpg)
Pegula scripts a dream story
Jessica Pegula scripted an astonishing comeback \"just in the nick of time\" to defeat Karolina Muchova on Thursday at the US Open and reach her first Grand Slam final, where she will take on big-hitting Aryna Sabalenka for the title.
![Hunt is very aggravated with PSL's dilly-dallying](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/23703/1824141/Veiogz1nH1725672536870/HUNT-IS-VERY-AGGRAVATED-WITH-PSLS-DILLYDALLYING.jpg)
Hunt is very aggravated with PSL's dilly-dallying
SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt (below) has weighed in on the unconventional start to the new Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.
![US soccer icon hanging up her boots](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/23703/1824141/pzk-01VOT1725672493096/US-SOCCER-ICON-HANGING-UP-HER-BOOTS.jpg)
US soccer icon hanging up her boots
Los Angeles-US soccer icon Alex Morgan (right), who inspired the Americans to two Women's World Cup football crowns, announced Thursday that she will retire after a final club match tomorrow.
![Irish seek huge upset](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/23703/1824141/Fhpff3uJI1725672426967/IRISH-SEEK-HUGE-UPSET.jpg)
Irish seek huge upset
New Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson is hoping to engineer another huge upset against England today-eight years after his Iceland team shocked the Three Lions at Euro 2016.
![Is retiring early an option?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/23703/1824141/AOVr1GBx31725672303704/IS-RETIRING-EARLY-AN-OPTION.jpg)
Is retiring early an option?
Early retirement can come with several serious risks.
![Banking on women](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/23703/1824141/zad3WKNJz1725672213442/BANKING-ON-WOMEN.jpg)
Banking on women
Having an account does not equate to financial autonomy.
![Failing matric is not the end of life](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/23703/1824141/DVA0QwfTh1725672123826/FAILING-MATRIC-IS-NOT-THE-END-OF-LIFE.jpg)
Failing matric is not the end of life
In a month's time or so, the matric class of 2024 will sit for their final examinations.