Jane Mpholo-Mehlape is an award-winning South African multidisciplinary performing artist, theatre maker, filmmaker and arts entrepreneur whose career spans more than a decade. She is the founder and CEO of Jane Mpholo Pty Ltd, a creative company committed to bold, socially engaged storytelling across theatre, film and site-specific performance. 

A graduate of the University of the Free State with a BA Honours in Drama and Theatre Arts, Jane was named UFS Student of the Year in 2025 in recognition of her leadership, innovation and contribution to transformation in the arts. As a performer, she has appeared in over fifty productions, including Athol Fugard’s The Island directed by Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, earning critical acclaim for her emotional honesty and stage presence. 

Her original work as a writer and theatre maker has been showcased nationally and internationally at platforms such as the South African State Theatre, Vrystaat Kunstefees, KKNK, Suidoosterfees, Pan African Creataive Exchange, PACOFS, the Global Leadership Summit and the Brazil International Arts and Health Festival. Her productions continue to engage deeply with themes of identity, grief, gender based violence, healing and social justice. 

Jane’s screen work includes the internationally recognised short film Cleanse, which won multiple awards and screened at festivals in Japan, the USA, Russia and India, as well as the NFVF-funded autobiographical documentary The Nights Were Velvet. Her contributions to the arts have been widely recognised, including the CCIA Outstanding Actor in Theatre Award, multiple kykNET Fiesta nominations, and honours from Mail and Guardian, News24, Sunday World and the Fabulous Woman Initiative. She is also an AWIEF Creative Industry Award finalist. 

Beyond her creative practice, Jane served as a National Arts Council advisory panelist, is an international facilitator and mentor. Her career is marked by a consistent commitment to using art as a tool for healing, empowerment and meaningful social change.